Volunteers with the St. Joseph Church Emergency Kokua Center have stepped up in the wake of Maui’s Aug. 8 wildfires to help people who have lost homes, vehicles and more. (Courtesy of St. Joseph Church Emergency Kokua Center)
By Brian Perry
Special to the Herald
The Maui wildfires left their mark on Upcountry, Maui, on the slopes of Haleakala, destroying 16 homes in Kula and three in Olinda. In a compassionate response, the Upcountry and Catholic communities have rallied to help impacted families and created the St. Joseph Church Emergency Kokua Center.
Although initially established to help Upcountry residents impacted by the wildfires, the center has also helped displaced Lahaina residents who lost homes, jobs, belongings and more.
The pastor of St. Joseph Church in Makawao, La Salette Father Edison Pamintuan, said the center came about quickly.
“The week of the wildfire, some of our parish leaders came up with the idea to bring together the Catholic Churches here in the Upcountry to help and assist the victims, not only of Lahaina, but also here in Kula,” he said. “Through the grace of God, a lot of parish leaders from other parishes responded and the Emergency Kokua was born. No doubt, this was a fruit of trying to put into practice the faith we profess.”
The wildfire disaster has led to a compelling call for the St. Joseph Parish community. The parish has 230 registered families and an average of 433 people coming to Mass every weekend.
“With the call to serve God, all needs are being met,” said Moani Whittle-Wagner, a member of the Emergency Kokua Center Hui. Other Hui members are Bruce and Arsie Anderson, Jason and Diane Jacinto and Nanette Salcedo.
The center opened Aug. 14, just six days after the Aug. 8 fires. It operated for 20 days straight before adjusting its hours to 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays to help those most in need.
The center has served hundreds with the help of scores of volunteers, including people vacationing on Maui. Donations have come from Hawaii and all across the continental United States.
Donated items filled two classrooms at the St. Joseph Early Learning Center Makawao. Items included new and gently used pillows, blankets, bed linen, towels and hygiene and household items such as silverware, pots, pans, plates, dishes, cups and serving utensils.
Those in need can also receive cases of water, nonperishable foods and packaged snacks. Items for children include baby diapers, food, formula, clothes, toys and strollers and car seats.
“At closing time, we come together again to close with prayer and share any updated announcements, events and updated news,” Whittle-Wagner said. “Each guest leaves with a blessing and a slip of paper inviting them to email us with their needs and inviting them to return.”
Father Pamintuan said the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Some of the people, if not all, we helped were so grateful in the outreach we are doing,” he said. “One of the stories I will never forget was about a victim who needed a vehicle was given one the following Sunday after she attended the Mass. God’s timing was perfect because a parishioner came to me after the 7 a.m. Mass and said that he will donate a car and, before my next Mass at 9 a.m., this victim of the fire from Lahaina approached me and she started crying. She mentioned to me her need of a car and so the donated car was given to her.”
The center also has a delivery service for those in need but unable to drive to St. Joseph School at 1294 Makawao Avenue. For deliveries, call (808) 354-0971.
Deliveries are provided by EPIC Ministries, a Catholic Young Adult Ministry.
In October, during the month of the Holy Rosary, the center gave away rosaries to visitors.
The center has worked collaboratively with Upcountry Catholic Churches and Community, Upcountry Strong, Sugar Beach Events, Maui Rapid Relief, Brown Cross Hui, UH Maui College, Sacred Hearts of Lahaina and more.
In the face of ongoing challenges, the center remains steadfast, extending an invitation for more volunteers to join the cause and help meet the ever-growing needs of the community.
The Emergency Kokua Center is not just a physical space; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength that emerges when communities unite in service, compassion and faith.
Emergency Kokua is expected to continue as long as there are community needs. “We will try our best to respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers,” Father Pamintuan said.
For more information, email sjckokua@gmail.com.
Brian Perry is co-owner of Red Rice Maui, a communications firm.
