Pictured above: What remains of Holy Innocents in Lahaina, but amazingly, the church sign, bearing a cropped copy of the iconic and now destroyed altar mural, was left virtually unscathed.

August 15, 2023

MAUI UPDATE: HOLY INNOCENTS, RELIEF EFFORTS IN FULL SWING, GIVING, DEDICATED WEBPAGE UP

On Saturday, August 12, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick shared the following on social media:

We received the first on-the-ground photos confirming that Holy Innocents' Church buildings (sanctuary, preschool and vicarage) are gone. The public elementary school, Kamehameha III, next door is also gone.

The Church -- God's people -- abound. Members of Holy Innocents are sheltering throughout Maui and O'ahu.  

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi is coordinating immediate diocesan relief efforts with state, county and others through the Diocese’s Care-van ministry, A CUP OF COLD WATER (ACCW).

The Bishop flew into Maui today to assess the situation, and will later take part in an ecumenical service with Bishop Larry Silva (Catholic) at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wailuku.

The Rev. Kerry Holder from the Episcopal Churches on West Kaua'i, formed the Kaua'i Reponse Team that includes a doctor, trauma nurse, vet assistant and others, to hit the ground running.

Updates have been pouring in including the efforts of so many in and around the Diocese. Deb Lynch, a volunteer from Maui's A Cup of Cold Water shared the following update:

ACCW has almost daily Runs - sometimes in the Lahaina area when access is allowed (it varies each day), but also to other parts of Maui, like Central Maui and Kihei, where people are in great need too. We find people needing water, food, blankets and towels as top needs. The Hongwanji Buddhists are making PB&J sandwiches weekly for us - something those we serve truly love receiving. Some of our priests go on the Runs too offering prayers and spiritual compassion.

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES: We are also fielding many inquiries for giving, and the Bishop suggests the following giving opportunities:

• A CUP OF COLD WATER - The Diocese's Care-van ministry serving Maui providing immediate relief to those affected
• THE BISHOP'S PASTORAL FUND - For pastoral support of individual and congregational needs that unfold as recovery begins
• MINISTRY OF HOLY INNOCENTS CHURCH - For the ministering to the dispersed congregation and ongoing ministry needs

All three of these giving opportunities can be accessed through the yellow online donation button further below, or by mailing a check to: The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813, Attention: (specified fund).

Everyone is also encouraged to give to Episcopal Relief & Development as they engage partners in relief and recovery, and have set up the Hawai'i Emergency Response Fund.

Maui officials have set up a comprehensive website called Maui Nui Strong for those seeking assistance and those seeking to provide assistance. Click on the thrid button below to access that site.

MAUI RELIEF - DEDICATED WEBPAGE NOW UP: The Diocese has set up a dedicated webpage on the main website that will contain all the latest information and updates on the Maui fires, as we receive them. Click HERE to go there now. You can also visit the Diocese's Facebook page HERE where photos and other info are widely shared.