As the restoration group finalizes plans to rebuild historic buildings devastated by the catastrophic wildfires in Maui two years ago, a series of benefit concerts are set to take place to aid the recovery efforts.
World-class chefs and professional musicians have announced the Maui Music + Food Experience, which will occur first at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on August 15-16, before moving to Chicago on November 7.
The Maui event will feature notable performances by Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Ernie Isley of the Isley Brothers, and Bernard Fowler.
In addition to the musical acts, six top chefs, including Gabrielle Chappel from Los Angeles, a winner of Fox’s Next Level Chef TV program, will showcase their culinary skills at the events. Ryan Von Smith, who achieved third place at the World Master Chefs Competition in China, will also be among the chefs.
Last year, the inaugural Maui Music + Food Experience raised an impressive $250,000 for survivors of the Lahaina fires with participation from musicians like Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac and Billy Cox of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. These events were particularly poignant for Fleetwood, whose restaurant and retail store were lost in the wildfires.
Organizers are hopeful to attract around 1,500 attendees this year, aiming to replicate last year’s success by raising another $250,000. This will be accomplished through ticket sales, auctions, and generous donations during the events.
Gary Grube, founder of the Hua Momona Foundation in Lahaina, highlighted the importance of the funds raised: “Money raised in the Maui Music + Food Experience goes to programs for Maui residents affected by the fires, including a hot meal program and the new Maui Youth Music Program for young people in the fire-affected areas.”
Grube indicated that proceeds are expected to provide hot meals for approximately 10,000 residents and offer ukuleles along with instruction for 50 young musicians.
The devastating wildfires that swept through Maui on August 8, 2023, were fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that these wildfires impacted around 1,550 parcels and caused damage to 2,200 structures, making them one of the deadliest fires in the United States in over a century.
Tragically, the Associated Press reported that 102 lives were lost in these fires.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health emphasized the profound mental health impacts of these fires, noting “Early recovery efforts have already unveiled anxiety, depression and survivor’s guilt, which, when added to the colonial, historical and intergenerational trauma already present in this community, may result in higher substance misuse and suicidal ideation.”
The total estimated damage from the wildfires reached a staggering $5.52 billion, including the complete destruction of historic structures such as the Old Lahaina Courthouse and Heritage Museum, which housed invaluable artifacts. The tragic loss extends to the 150-year-old banyan tree that served as a cherished gathering place for the community.
The Lahaina Restoration Foundation is in the final stages of completing its master plan to rebuild several important sites, including the Old Lahaina Courthouse, Lahaina Prison, Baldwin Home, and Master’s Reading Room, among others.
According to Theo Morrison, the executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, while the exterior of these buildings will reflect their historic appearances, the interiors may undergo changes to accommodate updated uses.
Morrison expressed optimism, stating that she looks forward to the day when Lahaina Harbor will once again be accessible to both boaters and visitors, noting that a significant 70% of tourists engage in ocean activities during their visits.
image source from：forbes
