Find Resources for the Maui Wildfire Relief
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that Maui County is accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from wildfires and high winds. ECP signup is open now and will end on October 17, 2023.
The approved ECP practices under this authorization include debris removal to address wildfire and high winds damage to eligible farmland, livestock fences and conservation structures and installations.
ECP assists producers with the recovery cost to restore the farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75 percent of the cost of approved restoration activity. Limited resource, socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers may receive up to 90 percent cost-share.
Producers with damage from such events must apply for assistance prior to beginning reconstructive work. FSA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental compliance review process is required to be completed before any actions are taken. Submitting an application after reconstructive work has been completed may not qualify for ECP.
FSA county committees will evaluate applications based on an on-site inspection of the damaged land, taking into consideration the type and extent of the damage. An on-site inspection does not guarantee that cost-share funding will be provided.
The 2018 Farm Bill increased the payment limitation for ECP to $500,000 per disaster. The use of ECP funds is limited to activities to return the land to the relative pre-disaster condition. Conservation concerns that were present on the land prior to the disaster are not eligible for ECP assistance.
For more information on ECP, please contact the Maui County FSA office at 808-871-5500 ext. 2 or visit farmers.gov/recover.
For more information on government response and available resources visit https://www.usa.gov/hawaii-wildfires and https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4724.
Contact Farm Service Agency:
Mr. James Robello
Farm Service Agency
County Executive Director
James.robello@usda.gov808-214-1740
Mr. Darrin Vander Plas
Farm Service Agency
Manager, Farm Loan Programs
Darrin.vanderplas@usda.gov
808-214-1739
Common Ground Collective (CGC) is connecting fresh produce with those that are positioned to feed our impacted community members. We are currently seeking volunteers with Food Handlers Permits, as well as general volunteer help.
If any local farms require assistance salvaging their produce, CGC is here to support.
We extend an invitation to anyone willing to join our efforts. Please don't hesitate to reach out.
Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for recovery.
Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation will be using their Hawaiʻi Wildfire Agricultural and Rancher Relief Fund to:
The Hawaii Cattlemen's Council is collecting data on impacts from the August 2023 fires on Maui and Hawaii Island. Please share as much information as you can so that we can advocate for recovery funding through supporting nonprofits and government agencies.
We understand that you may not have been able to fully assess your situation yet. If that is the case, any information you have right now will be helpful and we can gather details later when you have it.
Please fill out this form if you are a rancher or farmer that needs assistance.
The Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation's mission is to perpetuate sound stewardship of Hawaii's rangelands through advocacy and education.
Do you farm or ranch and want to make improvements to the land that you own or lease?
Natural Resources Conservation Service offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.
The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) operates the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by natural disasters.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.
EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:
How It Works
NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP. Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.
Benefits
Some of these benefits include:
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs.
Kahului Service Center:
Serving:Central Maui, Hana, Olinda-Kula, and West Maui Soil and Water Conservation Districts(Island of Maui) Site ID: 8795 Office ID: 5115
Natural Resources Conservation Service: (808) 214-1747
Farm Service Agency: (808) 871-5500 Ext. 2
Rural Development: (808) 871-5500 Ext. 4
Physical Address: 77 Hookele Street, 2Nd Floor, Kahului, HI 96732, Get Directions
Mailing Address: 77 Hookele St. Suite 202, Kahului, HI 96732
Contact: Gerald Gregory, gerald.gregory@usda.gov
Contact: James Robello, james.robello@usda.gov
OFFER support or post a NEED for support or services in this local community disaster relief Facebook page. The purpose of this group is where we can have a "go to" hub to locally exchange information of supplies/help *needed* and services and help we can *offer* due to disasters on Maui.
This group will only help with YOUR help. Please SHARE this group. Invite people. Etc. Let's help our friends and families get their lives back!
✔️1. If you have something to *OFFER* (manpower, supplies, services, clean up, food, transportation, housing, etc) please start your post in ALL CAPS saying *OFFER*
✔️2. If you are in *NEED* of something (specific supplies, manpower, services, food, transportation, housing, etc) please start your post in ALL CAPS saying *NEED*.
✔️3. If you have an announcement of volunteer opportunities, meetings, new developments on Maui regarding the fire, legit donation websites, etc. Please start your post in ALL CAPS saying *ANNOUNCEMENT*
PLEASE try to keep to these categories so we can use this group to be as effective and helpful as possible
Please keep in mind whenever DONATING to ANY cause, please only donate items in clean, unstained, smell free and working conditions. It is disrespectful to think that anyone would want stained, smelly or broken items.
The Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation's mission is to perpetuate sound stewardship of Hawaii's rangelands through advocacy and education.
Fueled by hurricane winds and drought conditions, catastrophic wildfires began on multiple islands in Hawaiʻi on August 8, 2023. The fires rapidly gained intensity leaving communities devastated throughout the state. Maui Island endured multiple uncontrolled fires leaving many homes, communities, businesses, and land devastated. Ranches and farms have also been burned. A few structures and piles of ash are what remains of historic Lāhainā town, and search and rescue efforts continue to find survivors. We humbly ask you to share this announcement and if you have the means to consider donating to the agricultural producers in Hawaiʻi whose livelihoods have been threatened and whose lives will be forever altered from these tragic events.
Checks can be made to "Hawaii Rangeland Stewardship Foundation" and mailed to
PO Box 934, Hilo, HI 96721
Mahalo for your support of Hawaii's paniolo!
The HRSF is a nonprofit corporation under section 501c3 of the US Internal Revenue code. A portion of your donation is tax deductible as allowed by law and your tax situation.
Have you worked on a farm or ranch for 30 days and/or earned at least $800 within the last two years?
If so, you might be eligible for the National Farmworker Jobs Program. NFJP is a job training and employment assistance program for farmworkers and their families. Our Case Managers provide assistance in finding employment, job training, educational opportunities and support services.
This assistance is offered at no cost to the participants.
How does the National Farmworker Job Training Program work?
Program participants have confidential, direct relationships with staff. We are ready to help you grow and thrive! Call or email us today!
Dee Kahuhu - Program Manager p) 808-243-4368 e) dennise.kahuhu@meoinc.org
Suzette Bacarro - Case Manager p) 808-243-4369 e) suzette.bacarro@meoinc.org
Uilani Ah Chan - Case Manager p) 808-243-4370 e) uilani.ahchan@meoiinc.org
To learn more, see the Farmworker Benefits and Farm Benefits flyer.
To apply to the NFJP, fill out this MEO application.
Maui Nui Strong is a program of the County of Maui Economic Development that connects our residents, businesses, and visitors to useful information about Maui County, our diverse islands, and a variety of resources that help to promote thriving and vibrant communities.
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