The Punahou community has rallied together in numerous ways to offer support and aid to those affected by the Maui fires. Here are some ways students, faculty and alumni have stepped up to support the efforts.
On Sept. 1, Punahou joined a statewide vigil to honor those lives who have been affected by the Maui fires. The campus community wore pink and watched a livestream in the Chapel of the noon vigil. Punahou Chaplain Josh Hayashi joined the vigil held in Thomas Square, and the football team showed support from San Diego with shirts inscribed with “Aloha Maui Nui” and prayer, chants and songs.
Punahou’s Aloha United Way (AUW) campaign, held from Aug. 22 – Sept. 29, successfully raised donations for AUW’s Maui Fire Relief Fund. Junior School students came up with creative ways to raise funds off-campus, while Academy students held sales for snacks and student-made products on campus.
In August, musician Aya Okimoto ’27 and some fellow students, dubbed the “Wish Makers,” collaborated with STAGE Restaurant, Hawai’i Chamber Music Festival and Punahou music teacher Duane Padilla to organize a three-course dinner event with music entertainment. All proceeds from ticket sales went to the Maui Strong Fund at the Hawai’i Community Foundation.
Punahou Alumni Association’s signature fall event, Dinner in the Buff (’n Blue), raised funds for the Maui relief, while Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn ’12 pledged field goals and extra points to help rebuild Maui.
Punahou Junior School students Ariana ’31, Jade ’31, Jemma ’32 and Dilan ’34 joined forces to organize a bake sale and lemonade stand in their neighborhood to raise money. Some members of the wider community contributed by matching the funds the students raised. All of the proceeds were sent directly to the Maui Strong Fund.
The Outdoor Education department organized a fundraiser for the Maui Humane Society to help the large number of animals and pets impacted, lost and in need of care. The fundraiser was held through the Maverick Animal Alliance, a nonprofit started by Punahou educators. A group of students, Alexa ’31, Dana ’31, Finley ’31 and Claire ’36, made and sold dog treats in their neighborhood to raise funds.
