The U.S. Committee of the Blue Shield (USCBS) is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life and irreparable destruction on the island of Maui in Hawaii. The wildfires on the northwest coast of the island have left countless people injured and displaced, and have damaged numerous cultural sites that are sacred to Native Hawaiians. As the royal capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, Lahaina has been a significant center for generations, and as a National Historic Landmark, this special town has been enjoyed by millions of visitors for decades. Many historic buildings and museums, including the Baldwin Home Museum, the Wo Hing Museum, the Lahaina Heritage Museum, and the Na ‘Aikane o Maui Cultural Center, were badly damaged in the wildfires. The Lahaina Restoration Foundation has established a fundraising campaign to aid in recovery efforts.
The full extent of this tragedy is not yet known as communications have been affected by the fires, but we hope that humanitarian and rescue efforts are able to mobilize and begin the long process of rebuilding, recovery, and preservation. As we strive to understand how so much could be lost in such a short period, the USCBS stands with Hawaiians during this immensely difficult time.
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