Sandia Pueblo pledges $1M to Maui wildfire relief
SANDIA PUEBLO — Sandia Pueblo officials pledged $1 million to support relief efforts in Maui after a devastating wildfire last month.
The donation will go toward the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation. Officials say this will go toward providing vital resources for wildfire relief and the recovery process.
“Mahalo to the Pueblo of Sandia for this considerable gift to the Maui Strong Fund. The complex, multi-level needs in the wake of this disaster require all of us to come together to support Maui at this difficult time. This gift will help to uplift Maui communities now and in the long term,” said Micah Kāne, the CEO and President of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
As of Friday, September 15, the foundation reports nearly $121 million has been donated to their fund. The federal government also proposed billions in disaster relief for the island.
“We extend our wholehearted support to the people of Maui during this challenging time. Our donation represents our commitment to alleviating suffering and assisting in the restoration of normalcy. Moreover, we are steadfast in our commitment to assist the native Hawaiian Indigenous people, with the goal of providing support and uplifting them during trying circumstances,” said Stuart Paisano, the governor of the Sandia Pueblo.
Similar to what they’re doing now for Maui wildfire relief, the Sandia Pueblo also donated $1 million to Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005. They also made similar donations to support relief for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria in 2017.
The Maui wildfire has affected many New Mexicans and their loved ones. Businesses have also stepped up to support Maui. Among them is a dance studio that teamed up with an Albuquerque brewery for a benefit last month.
Authorities in Hawaii adjusted the number of deaths Friday, from 115 to 97. They said further testing showed they had multiple DNA samples from some of the victims.
However, the death toll could still rise.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can support Maui wildfire relief, click here.