Hawai'i Workers Center

August 15, 2023

This last week has been a difficult time for the people of Hawaiʻi. This time last week, the lives of thousands of people would be changed forever. From losing homes, livelihoods, and loved ones, our hearts remain heavy as people continue to grieve. As we continue to process the devastation and mourn the loss of life, the Hawaiʻi Workers Center stands in solidarity with those impacted by this disaster, especially our working class and most vulnerable communities.

We are grateful to our volunteer organizer on Maui, Alan Lloyd, as he continues to hear directly from the members of our Maui Tenants & Workers Association. It was through his organizing that we helped keep affordable housing options available in Lāhainā.

There are no silver linings to a disaster such as this. We thank the many hands that have provided direct relief and services through the outpouring of support. A core principle at the Hawaiʻi Workers Center is that those directly impacted should be able to exercise their right to organize for their own social, economic, and political well-being. Even more so as the community begins to rebuild.

Yet, the work in rebuilding on Maui will remain long afterwards. In rebuilding an economy that works for all of us, not just for those at the top. In rebuilding a society in which working class people are respected and valued for their worth and not just for their labor. As Maui rebuilds, may real justice and mutual prosperity replace the exploitation and greed that the land and her people have long experienced.

Our organizing efforts on Maui include pushing for a long-term rent increase moratorium and protections for existing affordable housing. Developers are now attempting to buy properties in order to benefit from this disaster. We are providing emergency kōkua grants to those in urgent need who may not be eligible for some assistance such as migrant workers from the Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations. We are also pressing for responsive access to assistance, including language access and a reasonable grace period for workers to recover or replace lost documents while receiving FEMA aid or unemployment insurance. In the coming weeks, please continue to support this important work. You can directly support our organizing efforts on Maui by donating through the Hawaiʻi Workers Center donate page.

We remain steadfast in our belief that the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,

“Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono.”

In solidarity,

Sergio Alcubilla

Executive Director