The nonprofit Binhi at Ani has announced the creation of a Tulong for Lahaina Fund to assist Lahaina residents.

“Tulong means help in the Tagalog and Ilokano languages,” said organization President Melen Agcolicol, who will lead the coordination.  “And Binhi at Ani wanted to create a fund to help our kababayans, our fellow Filipinos, which comprise at least 40% of Lahaina town.”

The fund is designed to help residents that fall into one of three categories:

1. A homeowner whose principal residence was destroyed or damaged so it is uninhabitable or deemed by a government entity as unusable as a dwelling unit for health and safety reasons.
2. Had their own business (based in a structure–bricks and mortar versus an internet based or gig business) destroyed.
3. Had an immediate family member die as a result of the Lahaina fire.

Binhi at Ani will award $750 to those who qualify in any of the categories listed above.  The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2023.  An applicant can qualify for only one category. The amount of awards will be based on the number of donations received.  If more qualified applicants apply then there are funds available, it will be based on a first come, first served basis.  Depending on funds received, applications received after the due date may be considered.  All applications will be reviewed by a review panel independent of Binhi at Ani’s Board of Directors.  Applications may be accessed at BinhiAtani.org.

Tax deductible donations can be made in a number of ways.  Checks payable to Binhi at Ani and mailed to 780 Onehee Avenue, Kahului, Hawaiʻi 96732.  Through Paypal via Binhi at Ani’s website: BinhiatAni.org/donate.

For more information, contact Melen Agcolicol at 808-205-7981 or melencopy@gmail.com.