PRESS RELEASE NO. 2-2024

Honolulu, 12 January 2024 – In a letter addressed to the Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Hawaii Community Foundation Micah Kane conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the generous donation of the Philippine Government to the Maui Strong Fund. The financial aid is meant to support relief efforts and the long-term rebuilding and recovery process of individuals and families affected by the Maui wildfires.  

It may be recalled that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. pledged US$ 100,000 for the people of Maui impacted by the disaster. In a ceremony held at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies last November 19 during his visit in Honolulu, the Philippine President presented Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke of the State of Hawaii with the donation to the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.

Mr. Kane called the Philippine government’s support “a beacon of hope during these challenging times, which reinforces the collective commitment to helping those affected by the disaster.”  He added that the Philippine Consulate’s “compassion and selflessness inspire us all, and we are truly honored to have you as a partner in our efforts.”

The Philippine Consulate in Honolulu, headed by Consul General Emil Fernandez, has undertaken five visits to Maui to assist Filipino and Filipino American casualties of the tragedy, distributing approximately US$200,000 in cash to over 700 beneficiaries as welfare assistance and help defray consular fees. (END)