The Aquaman star - who was born in Honolulu - has had friends and loved ones caught up in the natural disaster that has seen the island nation ravagedby blazes caused by drought conditions and hurricane weather, with 67 people confirmed dead so far.
Sharing a link for people to donate to the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui County Strong Fund to provide relief, Momoa wrote on Instagram: “We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and ‘ohana on Maui who been impacted by the recent wildfires.”
He re-posted non-profit ‘Aina Momona’s post, which read: “On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, a terrible combination of drought conditions and hurricane weather led to widespread wildfires across the Island of Maui.
“Families were forced to evacuate on short notice, many escaping with only the clothes on their backs. Information on injuries and fatalities is still coming in. Lahaina town is gone. Many other places on Maui were also affected. We continue to send pule (prayers) to this incredible community.
“’Āina Momona is standing up this fundraiser to support our Maui community. All the funds raised will be given to the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui County Strong Fund https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong to support disaster relief on Maui.
“We are using this ActBlue platform because giving is quick and easy, and the funds come to us immediately, allowing us to get these funds to families in need faster. An accounting of all the monies raised through this fundraiser and our distribution to HCF will be posted to our website.”
Among the buildings destroyed was Fleetwood Mac star Mick Fleetwood’s restaurant.
The Landslide hitmaker sent his “thoughts and prayers” to all those affected after confirming he was “heartbroken” by the destruction of his Fleetwood’s on Front Street eatery, which was consumed by the flames.
In a post on X - formerly known as Twitter - he wrote: “Maui and the Lahaina community have been my home for several decades. This is a devastating moment for Maui, and many are suffering unimaginable loss ...
“Fleetwood’s on Front Street has been lost and while we are heartbroken, our main priority is the safety of our dear staff and team members. On behalf of myself and my family, I share my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the people of Maui. We are committed to supporting the community and those affected by this disaster in the days and months and years to come.”
A post on the restaurant’s Instagram page added: “As many of you have probably seen on the news, Lahaina Town has suffered tremendous damage and with that Fleetwoods on Front Street has been lost. Words can not express the devastation that our community is facing right now.
“Our main priority at the moment is the safety of our team members and staff. We appreciate your support and patience as we navigate this difficult terrain. Mahalo.”
The fires broke out on Tuesday August 8 across Maui and Big Island and it prompted an evacuation of both tourists and residents. Reports suggest around 1,000 are still unaccounted for. Hundreds of homes have been lost leaving many more people displaced.
Burned cars line the streets of Lahaiana. Photo / Getty Images
Oprah Winfrey has a house on Maui, and on Thursday August 10, she visited evacuees who have been taking shelter at the island’s War Memorial Gymnasium. She brought supplies including pillows, nappies and shampoo, and was seen handing them out to those in need.
Winfrey told the BBC: “Often you make donations of clothes and it’s not really what people need, you know.”
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen previously said in a video statement posted on Facebook: “These past few days, the resolve of our families, business and visitors have been tested like never before in our lifetime. With lives lost and properties decimated, we are grieving with each other in this inconsolable time.”
