The Cal-Pac disaster response team has been working to support churches, members, and their communities as recent severe storms and flooding in Hawaii over the past couple of weeks. Five churches have reported damage, and three families in our conference community have been significantly affected with damage to homes and businesses. In addition, Camp Mokulēʻia, one of our partnership sites for district retreats, sustained severe damage from flooding.
Karl Ports reports that the disaster response team is actively working with UMCOR on disaster relief coordination. Two UMCOR Solidarity Grants are being requested: one for Maui and one for Oahu. These grants provide up to $10,000 each and are designed to address immediate needs such as medication, fuel, housing, clothing, and food, distributed via gift cards. We are working with the Hawaii District disaster response coordinator, Rev. Kim Houff, to determine eligibility and how to configure these grants.
The following churches and members of their congregations have reported damage:
We will continue to monitor the situation, coordinate with UMCOR, and update the community as more information becomes available. Please keep our Hawaii churches and their members in your prayers.