Local 5 Hardship Fund
The Local 5 Executive Board has approved Hardship Fund disbursements to members who have been affected by the March Kona Low storms. Please review application process below.
Local 5’s Executive Board has set-up a Local 5 Hardship Fund to support our members during a labor dispute, mass layoff or major disaster.
Members making a hardship request shall complete the Hardship Application with supporting documentation such as written notice from their landlords regarding past due or late payment notice for rent or mortgage, notification from their utility company regarding water or electric shut off, etc.
Hardship Fund disbursements are considered for the following priority situations:
- Mortgage
- Rent or utilities
- Food
- COBRA payments for loss of medical coverage due to a strike, mass layoff, major distasters
- Medical or prescription co-payments
- Emergency situations on a cade-by-case basis at committee discretion
Community-Led Response Efforts
These organizations are coordinating multiple community-based relief efforts and helping us all to understand what the highest priority needs are and how best to help without inadvertently getting in the way of existing efforts (e.g., helping pinpoint where and how volunteers can be most effective).
Lāhui Foundation – is a nonprofit in Koʻolauloa that focuses on protecting and preserving culture, ʻāina and quality of life. You can connect with them in many ways.
- Donate to those directly affected
- Flood-impacted residents – sign up for assistance
- Post-flood recovery efforts volunteer sign up
Our Hawaiʻi – Our Hawaiʻi is supporting community-led disaster response as an extension of their broader work to build the power of local, working families to shape the systems that govern their lives.
Government Resources
- The City and County of Honolulu is actively working to support residents as they clean up and recover. The Department of Emergency Management has launched a comprehensive Recovery Information Hub and will be sharing key updates and weather information via HNL Alert.
- The Maui County Emergency Management Agency has a new March Kona Storm Informational page on post-flood recovery, resources, and alerts.
Language Focused Support
- Tagnawa for Hawaiʻi – Tagnawa is supporting Filipino communities across Hawaiʻi to ensure translations for important government notices, language access, and gender focus are prioritized during disasters.
Emergency Food, Housing, and Mental Health Support
- Aloha United Way has activated its Community Relief Fund to provide support for those impacted by severe flooding on O‘ahu. The fund will help address urgent needs such as shelter, food and basic essentials while supporting ongoing recovery in affected communities. Connect to critical services through their 211 Statewide Helpline. Aloha United Way is working closely with United Ways across the state, as well as government, nonprofits, and community leaders to support a unified response.
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American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region – Red Cross teams are providing a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support during this challenging time. Donate to local disaster relief here and request assistance by calling 1 800 RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
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Maui United Way has put together a comprehensive Community resource guide for Maui residents. You can also support MUW’s emergency response and relief fund.
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The Hawaiʻi Food Bank – Many people lost food because of power outages and were impacted by other unexpected costs, which adds to the strain caused by being displaced or facing a long road to recovery. The Hawaiʻi Food Bank helps families access food. People interested in volunteering may sign up here. Learn how to drop off food donations here. Monetary donations can be made on their website. To donate to Maui County, visit the Maui Foodbank website.
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The Salvation Army – The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division is on the ground now, providing meals, essential supplies, spiritual care, and other support to those impacted by the storms. A monetary donation can be made via their website. Directly impacted families can get direct financial assistance through gift cards and cleaning supplies. Call for appointment 808-842-5565 or email [email protected].
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Additional resources are available through the Kūkulu Switchboard, which is updated regularly.
Relief Effort Funds
- Help Maui Rise has put together a verified list of donation links that will provide direct aid to families most affected by the Kona Low storm and flooding. To qualify, applicants must be Hawai‘i residents who were either displaced or have severe documented property damage requiring repairs. See the full list here and submit applications here.
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The Hawaiian Council has launched Kākoʻo Oʻahu, a donation campaign to support individuals and families impacted by the severe weather events. The initiative will address evolving needs, including housing stability services, direct financial assistance, and other critical support for impacted communities. To maximize community impact, they match every donation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000, doubling the resources available for relief and recovery efforts.
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Stronger Hawai‘i Fund – Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s statewide fund to build community resiliency through providing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Designed to support a coordinated response between state and local government, first responders, volunteers, supporting organizations, and philanthropic contributions in the wake of unforeseen disasters. Donate to O‘ahu Strong, Maui County Strong, or the Stronger Hawaiʻi – Statewide Support Fund.