LGBTQ Hawaiians need help
The devastation of the wildfires that impacted the island of Maui is most evident in the city of Lahaina. The death toll has pushed past 90 people and is expected to rise in the coming weeks as recovery efforts continue.
In a statement to media outlets, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said “in the weeks ahead, the collective resources and attention of the federal, state and county government, the West Maui community, and the travel industry must be focused on the recovery of residents who were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses.” Maui County estimates more than 80 percent of the more than 2,700 structures in the town were damaged or destroyed and 4,500 residents are newly in need of shelter.
There are numerous critical needs for the residents who have been displaced, many living in temporary shelters. Randy M. Soriano, the executive director of Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation, Honolulu Pride and the LGBTQ Center Honolulu on the island of Oahu is asking for assistance. “Mahalo for checking in.
It has been a devastating week for the entire state of Hawai’i. Our hearts go out to those who have experienced such a tremendous loss.
