Founded by Archie Kalepa, the Lele Aloha nonprofit organization has awarded a total of $240,000 to 14 spiritual centers in an effort to help them recover from the August 2023 wildfires. Courtesy photo

The Lele Aloha nonprofit organization has awarded a total of $240,000 to 14 Lahaina spiritual centers, a contribution that aims to support the restoration and rebuilding efforts of those community hubs and places of worship.

The spiritual centers receiving the donations include Moku’ula, Waiola Church, Lahaina Baptist Church, Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, International Christian Fellowship Church of God and Lahaina Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Additionally, Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, Lahaina Shingon Mission, Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, The Wo Hing Temple Museum, Lahaina United Methodist Church, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Grace Baptist Church are also receiving support through Lele Aloha.

“The spiritual centers of Lahaina are not just places of worship, but also vital community gathering spaces,” said Archie Kalepa, founder of Lele Aloha, in a news release announcing the donation. “It is our hope that these funds will help restore their presence and bring healing and hope to the people of Lahaina.”

The funding is part of ongoing efforts by the nonprofit organization to revitalize the Lahaina community following the devastation caused by the fires. For more about Lele Aloha and its initiatives, visit lelealoha.org.