Marina, CA - On August 8, 2023, the Hawaiian island of Maui and her people suffered the most devastating wildfire in US history. A symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty, the city of Lāhainā, was decimated and still an unknown number of lives have been lost. The pain of the ‘āina (land) and the kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) can be felt across the world, as their historical and cultural lands are now exploited by consumerism and greed. But the power of aloha still runs deep within the Hawaiian people and those who are connected to those sacred lands. 

Upon hearing from local families on the ground how difficult it has been to receive aid, Director Louella Sumler, of Nā Haumāna Hula Hālau, and Juan Sanchez, of Palenke Arts, followed the call and are collaborating to host Mālama Maui, a benefit event to bring much needed aid directly to the people of Hawai’i. The event, set for August 27, 2023 from Noon - 5:00pm in Seaside, will host over 25 vendors and features performances by the distinguished Ho’omana Hawaiian Band, local hula hālaus, Hi’ilani ‘O Ke Kai , Ha’a Hula/Te Reva O Te Manu, and Marina’s own Nā Haumāna, in addition to other local artists. 

Along with performances and vendors, there will be opportunities to donate to the Mālama Maui Relief Fund and vendors have pledged 20% of their earnings from the benefit to Maui relief. Proceeds from the benefit will go to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, whose mission is to enhance the cultural, economic, political and community development of Native Hawaiians.  Funds will also be sent directly to families that have been displaced and have reached out for assistance.  

Please come out and help us spread the aloha to our Hawaiian brothers and sisters on August 27, 2023 Noon - 5PM at Martin Luther King Jr. Arts School. Mahalo nui!