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ASG’s Maui donation drive set to begin on Labor Day — Sept 4

Tufele Li’amatua Sr. Tufele Cultural Center
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “To initiate fundraising efforts,” the American Samoa Government is spearheading a Maui donation drive with plans to launch it on Sept. 04 — the Labor Day holiday —  at the Tufele Li'amatua Sr. Tufele Cultural Center at the Suiga'ula o le Atuvasa Park at Utulei Beach, where the drive will be headquartered.

“In the wake of the devastating fire that ravaged the beautiful island of Maui, we find ourselves collectively grappling with the immense scale of the destruction,” wrote Lt. Gov. Talauega E.V. Ale in an Aug. 29 memorandum to cabinet members announcing the fundraising efforts.

“We understand that times are tough for everyone, but any contribution, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on the lives of those in need,” he said.

Talauega recalled for cabinet members and all ASG entities that the “Great Aloha state of Hawaii has shown their unwavering support and Aloha spirit during our times of adversity, standing by us in our recovery efforts following past disasters.”

“Their invaluable assistance has played a crucial role in helping our community rebuild and recover. We are grateful for their enduring commitment to lending a helping hand when it is needed most,” he said. “It is incumbent upon us to respond in the same capacity and extend our ‘Alofa’ spirit to the residents of Lahaina.”

Talauega, on behalf of Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga, called on ASG departments, agencies and offices to band together in a coordinated effort to “support our Maui brothers and sisters.”

He said that every dollar donated would go directly towards providing essential supplies, such as food, water, clothing, and medical aid, to those who have been most severely affected.

In a separate notice posted on the ASG Facebook page, the Administration says that the donation drive is scheduled from Monday- Saturday, Sept. 4-9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tufele Li’amatua Sr. Tufele Cultural Center.

“Your generous contribution, no matter how small, is truly appreciated,” it says. The hotline to call for more information: 633- 3333.

The ASG fundraising drive was first revealed in a letter earlier in the week from the Secretary of Samoan Affairs to village leaders.

PC Mauga Tasi Asuega said village council leaders are needed to ensure the success of the event and that drop off centers around the island to collect donations will be announced later.

Solicitation letters are also being distributed to businesses, organizations and churches.

As of Aug. 26, The Associated Press reports that at least 115 people were killed, with hundreds still missing and 2,000 structures destroyed when the wildfire tore through downtown Lahaina on Aug. 8. Minimal rains have pushed the area into drought. That fire was exacerbated by strong trade winds fueled in part by Hurricane Dora, which passed 500 miles to the south of Maui.

Meanwhile, local musicians headed up the Aloha Concert for Maui fundraising with music and dance this past weekend at Sadie’s by the Sea hotel, raising some $5,400. And all proceeds will go towards those impacted on Maui.

BACKGROUND

In the meantime, predatory offers from various realtors has become a common occurrence for Mauians.

As a result, the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has issued two separate warnings about predatory real estate pitches targeting local residents of Lahaina, Maui. In an August 14 notice, the department urged Mauians to be alert to unsolicited offers to buy their property.

And in a move to prevent a land grab by predatory speculators, Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation making it illegal to solicit Maiuans to buy their land, in three East Maui zip codes. According to the proclamation, it is a crime punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000