Nonprofit gets $1M to create jobs for residents impacted by fires

Maui residents impacted by the recent wildfires can apply for six-month conservation positions that start Dec. 4. — Photo courtesy Hawai‘i Land Trust
The nonprofit Hawai’i Land Trust has received a $1.1 million grant from the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund to create temporary jobs for 48 Maui residents affected by the recent wildfires.
Maui residents can now apply for six-month positions, with work beginning Dec. 4, to engage in various land stewardship and conservation activities at HILT’s 277-acre Waihee Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge, its 82-acre Nuu Refuge in Kaupo and its 4.5-acre Veterans Peace Park in Wailuku. Most positions do not require previous experience.
“We are focusing this workforce development effort on those individuals who lived and worked in Lahaina and are out of work due to the wildfires,” ‘Olu Campbell, president and CEO of HILT, said in a news release. “We recognize there is a spectrum of needs to be addressed, employment being one of them. We are grateful to be able to provide meaningful opportunities that will empower families to support themselves financially through this tough time, while gaining valuable green workforce experience, and improving the wellbeing of our ‘aina.”
In 2020, under a similar six-week program during the COVID-19 pandemic, HILT provided temporary work for 42 Maui residents with funding from the federal CARES Act.
HILT is offering the current positions in partnership with conservation nonprofit Kupu.

The Hawai‘i Land Trust is offering temporary conservation jobs to 48 Maui residents impacted by the August wildfires. — Photo courtesy Hawai‘i Land Trust
“Kupu is excited to partner with our friends at HILT and provide paid positions doing critical conservation work on Maui,” said Kupu CEO and co-founder John Leong. “In addition to the temporary relief this provides, we hope these opportunities lead to lasting positive change for ‘aina and those who choose to make conservation their calling.”
To apply, visit www.hilt.org/careers. The deadline is Nov. 17.
- Maui residents impacted by the recent wildfires can apply for six-month conservation positions that start Dec. 4. — Photo courtesy Hawai‘i Land Trust
- The Hawai‘i Land Trust is offering temporary conservation jobs to 48 Maui residents impacted by the August wildfires. — Photo courtesy Hawai‘i Land Trust