The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have established a joint Disaster Recovery Center at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College at 310 W. Kaʻahumanu Avenue in Kahului. Maui residents who were affected by the recent wildfires can now apply for federal disaster assistance at the center in the college’s Pilina Building.
The center opened on August 16 and will support residents and businesses with a broad range of services. Survivors can speak to FEMA specialists, get help registering for disaster assistance, connect with aid organizations and have access to other federal and state resources 8 a.m.–7 p.m., seven days a week.
Representatives from the SBA are also available to provide program information and explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. These loans are offered to homeowners and renters, business owners and private nonprofits.
There are printed materials in multiple languages, and the center can direct clients to operators who can communicate in many languages. Disaster Recovery Centers are barrier free and provide equal access to all visitors. Those who need accommodations are asked to notify FEMA staff.
“UH Maui College is committed to serving our community,” said Chancellor Lui Hokoana. “It has always been and always will be in our DNA. That is never truer than in times of tragedy and dire need which our Island is certainly experiencing right now. We welcome FEMA, the SBA and other partners in helping to ease the pain and suffering and put all of our residents back on a path to recovery.”
More on how to help Maui ʻohana and the Maui wildfires.
Parking from the Pilina Building to the Hoʻokipa Building will be reserved for those needing access to the service center. UH Maui College students, faculty and staff are asked to avoid parking in these stalls unless they intend to seek services from the center.
For those who would like to support Maui wildfire victims, the UH Foundation has set up three funds. Go to uhfoundation.org/helpmaui. You can choose Help Students, Help Faculty/Staff and/or Help Feed Maui. 100% of your gift will directly support those in need.
UH Maui College has been assisting the recovery efforts from the early days of the tragedy. Chefs from the college and community and other volunteers have helped to feed the victims and the first-responders who are working to help those involved.
