Residents and visitors are encouraged to support Hawaiʻi Island communities devastated by Hurricane Lala by participating in the Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6, 2026, in Kahului, the County of Maui Office of the Mayor announced.

“As communities across Hawaiʻi Island face the devastation left by Hurricane Lala, it is our turn to stand with them,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “This is an opportunity for our Maui community to return the same aloha, compassion and support that was so generously shown to us in our time of need. Let’s come together once again, help our neighbors across the ocean channel through this difficult time and show that no matter which island we call home, we are one Hawaiʻi, and we take care of one another.”

The Kōkua Hawaiʻi Island Donation Drive will be held in the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center parking lot near the former Sears location, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave.

Specific donation items are being requested and will be distributed by nonprofit Food Basket Hawaiʻi to communities on Hawaiʻi Island impacted by the recent storm.

Nonperishable foods and other essentials being requested are as follows (only new items; perishable foods and clothing cannot be accepted):

Nonperishable foods

• Bottled water
• Rice
• Canned foods, including canned meats (tuna, chicken, Spam, Vienna sausage, corned beef); canned meals (chili, stew, pasta); canned fruits; canned vegetables
• Saimin and other instant noodles
• Peanut butter, crackers and other packaged snacks
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Meal-replacement drinks (Ensure, protein drinks)
• Shelf-stable milk

Other essentials:

• Baby food and formula
• Baby supplies (diapers, wipes)
• Pet food, bedding and supplies
• Tarps
• Towels
• Coolers
• Batteries
• Solar/battery powered lights
• Cell phone charging cords and power banks

Donated items will be shipped by container with the support of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union.

For more information, contact County Office of the Mayor Public Affairs section at public.affairs@mauicounty.gov or (808) 270-7855.