Fast-moving wildfires damaged much of Lahaina, the capital of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, this week, as well as locales up and down the west coast of Maui. Priceless cultural artifacts and buildings were destroyed or damaged, including Lahaina Public Library, which was built in 1956 on a former royal taro patch that belonged to King Kamehameha III, per the website. Video on 2news shows the roof smoldering with flames.
The library was renovated using donated funds in 2012 that came from Rotary Club of Lahaina, the Hawaiian Public Library System, Maui Friends of Library, and other donors.
You can offer support to rescue and recovery efforts in Maui by donating to:
You can also direct funds to Maui Friends of Library, a local nonprofit.
We will update links if better information is made available.