A coalition of Maui’s six chartered credit unions, including Maui County Federal Credit Union, made a $153,000 contribution to Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (Ho‘ōla LTRG) to help families affected by the August 2023 wildfires rebuild their homes and lives. Pictured from left: Clayton Fuchigami (Maui FCU), Kelly Giso (Hoʻōla LTRG), Guy Muraoka (Kahului FCU), Gary Fukuroku (Maui County FCU), Rhonda Alexander-Monkres (Ho‘ōla LTRG), Brandy Cajudoy (Hoʻōla LTRG), Trevor Tokishi (Valley Isle Community FCU), Kelly Tobita (Maui Teachers FCU), Craig Kinoshita (Wailuku FCU), and Stephen Van Bueren (Ho‘ōla LTRG).
The donation, made through the Credit Union Wildfire Relief Fund, will help cover insurance gaps for upcoming home reconstruction projects led by Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). These funds will go directly toward building materials and other critical expenses not covered by insurance, making an immediate difference for families ready to rebuild.
This meaningful contribution was made possible through the collective support of Maui County Federal Credit Union, Maui Federal Credit Union, Kahului Federal Credit Union, Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union, Wailuku Federal Credit Union, and Maui Teachers Federal Credit Union, each deeply rooted in the Maui community and committed to service.
“As credit unions rooted in this community, we understand the real financial challenges families face after disaster strikes,” said Gary Fukuroku, President & CEO of Maui County Federal Credit Union. “Insurance doesn’t always cover the full cost of rebuilding, and many survivors are left to navigate those gaps alone. By partnering with Ho‘ōla LTRG, we’re helping bridge that gap, so families in Lahaina can move forward with hope and stability.”
Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, Executive Director of Ho‘ōla LTRG, shared her appreciation, saying, "We are deeply grateful to receive this generous gift from Maui's credit unions, a powerful coalition rooted in service to our community. Their confidence in our work and alignment in values means so much as we continue helping survivors rebuild their lives. At Ho'ōla LTRG, we are always seeking partners and donors who share our commitment to supporting families through their unique recovery journeys."
Since the wildfires, Ho‘ōla LTRG has led coordinated long-term recovery efforts in Lahaina and surrounding communities. Its Volunteer Rebuild Housing Program—funded in part by a $760,528 grant from the Maui Strong Fund, partners with MDS and other nonprofits to rebuild 10 to 20 homes per year for families with no other means to recover.
The Credit Union Wildfire Relief Fund now joins a growing network of supporters helping restore Maui, including the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, Habitat for Humanity Maui, and other grassroots partners.
About the Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (Ho‘ōla LTRG)
The Ho‘ōla LTRG is dedicated to supporting Maui’s long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts following the August 2023 wildfires. Comprised of local organizations, community leaders, and partners, Ho‘ōla LTRG provides critical resources, coordinates recovery programs, and assists wildfire survivors in rebuilding their homes and lives. Through collaboration and community-driven initiatives, the organization remains committed to helping ensure a resilient and sustainable future for Maui. Learn more at mauilongtermrecovery.org.