Hawaii County is offering several ways members of the public can note the anniversary of the deadly Maui wildfires that occurred Aug. 8, 2023.
Through Aug. 15, the county will mark the occasion with several special initiatives:
Atrium illumination — The County Building Atrium will be illuminated in pink throughout the week as a symbol of support for those affected by the fires.
Proclamation and message writing — A special proclamation will be displayed in the mayor’s office, where materials will be available for anyone wishing to write notes of support to the people of Maui.
Sign of solidarity — A sign of solidarity will be placed at the County Building at 25 Aupuni St. in Hilo to signify our community’s support for Maui.
“Our thoughts and prayers have been with the people of Maui throughout this past year,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a press release. “… It’s a time to come together as an ‘ohana, reflect on the impacts people have faced, and show our ongoing support for recovery efforts.”
Roth encourages interested county employees and community members to participate by submitting letters, poems, notes of support or flat paper artwork, which will be collected and sent to Maui.
Contributions will be accepted at the mayor’s office through Thursday, Aug. 15. These sentiments will be packaged and shared with Mayor Richard Bissen’s office on Maui, where they will be displayed in various county buildings and facilities for the Maui community.