Learn more about
Our Story
We are a grassroots organization fiscally sponsored and organized by Maui Grassroots Collective 501 (c)3, along with the Maui Housing Hui, Maui Medic Healers Hui, and Holomua Outreach.
Maui Rapid Response is an ahupuaʻa inspired response team comprised of individuals from the Maui community and several non-profit and direct-aid organizations. As a decentralized citizen collective, MRR is driven entirely by community values and needs, with a commitment to prioritizing support for Native Hawaiians and the vulnerable members of our community.
Our Guiding Principles
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We meet with individuals or families that are struggling with service providers, that are in crisis, or that are in need of a different kind of support.
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We offer essential needs—like food boxes (sometimes 250+ weekly), self care items, housing supplies, etc.—to help people move away from a survival mindset and into a more productive space.
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We show up consistently to support individuals and families wherever they may be, in whatever way that we can.
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We link people to Maui’s larger network of community care—the organizations that are doing community-based work—to make stronger connections to resources and support.
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We listen deeply to anticipate needs so that we can support our community through any hardship that it may face now and in the future.
MRR Responses
Maui Wildfire Relief Hub Infrastructure & Supply
Established relief hubs across Maui & assisted with community hubs in supply, distribution, & transportation.
AUGUST 23’ - DECEMBER 23’
Kipuka Maui - Wildfire Healing & Recovery Initiative
Alongside other organizations, we established a healing space at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens for vulnerable populations directly impacted by the wildfires. Offering a range of services from important document recovery to holistic health services.
AUGUST 23’
Emergency Housing - Direct Support & Services
Connected individuals & families to semi-permanent/temporary emergency housing.
AUGUST 23’ - PRESENT
Re-Entry PPE Kits for Lahaina Fire Survivors
Built & distributed PPE Kits for those reentering their properties in the burn zone, support from Boy Scouts of America, 3M, & Direct Relief.
NOVEMBER 23’
Ice Cream Aunties - West Side Neighborhood Outreach
Supporting Aunties outreach program with supply, infrastructure, & personnel, serving 80 unhoused individuals living on the West Side of Maui weekly.
NOVEMBER 23’ - PRESENT
Relief Compass - Essential Goods Distribution
Using CORE’s Relief Compass tool, we distributed household & self-care items to support our community during post-wildfire economic recovery.
APRIL 24’ - PRESENT
Covid-19 Relief Aid
“Chili on-wheels”, free meals to Maui ‘Ohana
MARCH 20’ - 22’
Direct Monetary Aid Distribution for Wildfire Survivors
Assisted families & individuals on a case-by-case basis with financial needs. Commonly assisted those that were in desperate need, but unable to receive support from other social services.
AUGUST 23’ - PRESENT
Essential Information Distribution
Connected our community to emergency information regarding where to find support, how to access government agencies, services available etc. through social media & leaflets.
AUGUST 23’ - PRESENT
Malama Bag Build & Distribution for Wildfire Survivors
Built & distributed care packages comprised of essential needs for people transitioning between hotels & direct-lease housing.
NOVEMBER 23’
Weekly Food Box Distribution
With Maui Food Bank's support, we distribute up to 250 food boxes weekly to underserved sheltered & unsheltered communities.
NOVEMBER 23’ - PRESENT
Survivor Housing Support - Cleaning, Furnishing, etc.
In partnership with CNHA, we furnished & stocked 20 homes with essentials like furniture, bedding, cookware, toiletries, & keiki toys.
JANUARY 24’ - MAY 24’
Emergency Prep Kit & Information Exchange
Connecting communities on a block-to-block basis to engage in disaster prep & harm mitigation.
CURRENT
