From left to right: Mayor Richard Bissen and Maui Rotary club members Wendy Hornack, Gary Albitz, Leah Harbottle and Ulrich Kirkegaard at the blessing of the County of Maui Office of Recovery-West Maui on July 3, 2024. Courtesy photo

KAHULUI – Following the destructive fires of August 2023, the West Maui community has received significant support from the Rotary D5000 Foundation Fire Relief Fund. A generous donation of over $43,000 has been made to provide computers and technical equipment to the newly established County of Maui Office of Recovery-West Maui Center in Lahaina.

In response to the community’s needs expressed during a Rotary-sponsored Maui Wildfires Recovery workshop in February 2024, Rotary club members have actively sought partnerships to address these concerns. Through collaborative efforts, a free business support center has been set up at the new Maui Office of Recovery in the Lahaina Gateway shopping center.

Director Luana Mahi describes this location as a bustling business hub, equipped with computer stations and printing services to cater to the needs of professionals and job seekers alike. Throughout the week, agencies such as MEMA, HI-EMA, 4LEAF Inc, OED, MEO, and more will be on hand to offer guidance and resources. Maui County Council member Tamara Paltin will also have a dedicated desk available for any business-related inquiries.

Gary Albitz, a member of the Rotary Club of Kahului and representative of MEDB, advocated for the provision of computers and printers at the center. The proposal was approved for funding by the Rotary D5000 Foundation Maui Wildfires Relief Fund Advisory committee. Albitz, who will provide support at the center, emphasized the diverse range of services that will be offered, from career counseling to business planning, facilitated by the technological equipment provided.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery-West Maui Center will operate from 8:00 am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, at Lahaina Gateway Unit 102-B, 325 Keawe St., Lahaina. This initiative reflects the collaborative efforts of Rotarians to support the recovery of the Lahaina community, showcasing their unity and dedication to assisting those in need.