ToolBank Disaster Services Opens Operations in Maui to Support Long-Term Rebuilding After Devastating 2023 Wildfires
Maui, HI — Thursday, May 8, 2025 – In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina and surrounding communities in 2023, ToolBank Disaster Services has officially launched operations on the island of Maui to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. With tools now on the ground, a temporary warehouse established, and partnerships solidified, ToolBank is poised to support the local community through this critical phase of recovery.
ToolBank Disaster Services, a program of national nonprofit ToolBank USA, provides tools and equipment at no cost to nonprofit organizations, community groups, and volunteers working in disaster-impacted areas. This proven model removes financial and logistical barriers, empowering those on the front lines of recovery to do their work safely and efficiently.
Key Highlights of the Maui Deployment:
- Tools Are in Place: A startup inventory of professional-grade tools has been deployed to Maui, ready to support a wide range of recovery efforts.
- Temporary Warehouse Established: A fully functional temporary warehouse is operational and serves as ToolBank’s central hub on the island.
- Local Hiring of a Dedicated Team Member: Interviews for permanent local staff have been conducted, with a hiring decision recently made to ensure long-term presence and continuity.
- Long-Term Recovery Partnerships: ToolBank is actively collaborating with the local Long-Term Recovery Group to ensure services are aligned with community-led priorities.
- Partnership with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA): ToolBank is proud to partner with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), a trusted advocate for Hawai’i’s communities leading culturally grounded recovery efforts. Learn more about CNHA and their Helping Maui (Kākoʻo Maui) initiative at https://helpingmaui.org.
“ToolBank exists to support communities in their most vulnerable moments, and our commitment to Maui is unwavering,” said Trey Bearden, CEO of ToolBank USA. “With tools on the ground and strong local partnerships in place, we’re here to support the long-term rebuilding of Lahaina and neighboring communities, hand in hand with the people of Maui.”
“Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community,” said Kukui Keahi, Community Care Navigator Lead at CNHA. “We’re proud to partner with ToolBank Disaster Services as they bring critical resources to empower the hands and hearts doing the work on the ground. This partnership represents a shared commitment to healing with dignity and respect for the people and culture of Maui.”
ToolBank Disaster Services will continue to work with local organizations, leaders, and volunteers throughout the recovery process, ensuring tools and support remain available as rebuilding progresses.
Our local point of contact in Maui is Kimberly Pinuelas, ToolBank Disaster Services Program Manager, and she can be reached at maui@toolbank.org. To learn more or support these efforts, visit https://toolbank.org/toolbank-disaster-services/.
About the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA)
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians. Headquartered in Kapolei, CNHA is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the U.S. Treasury Department and a HUD-Certified Housing Counseling agency. They provide access to capital, financial education, and individualized financial counseling services focusing on low and moderate-income families. CNHA serves as a National Intermediary, providing grants and loans targeting underserved communities in Hawaiʻi.
About ToolBank USA and ToolBank Disaster Services
ToolBank USA is a national nonprofit organization with a profound mission to replicate and advance ToolBanks nationwide. Our ToolBank affiliate network is not just about providing tools, equipment, and expertise. It’s about empowering community-based organizations to achieve their most ambitious goals. By handling a significant portion of the ‘back room’ administration, we free up local ToolBank staff to focus on customer service and program excellence. As the official knowledge base of the ToolBank, we collect and share best practices from around the ToolBank network, amplifying the impact of our work. For more information, visit www.toolbank.org.
When disaster strikes, ToolBank Disaster Services provides the tools that make a difference. We swiftly deploy staff and trailers filled with tools to equip community-based organizations and their volunteers, all at NO COST. Our citizens, driven by the goodwill of Americans, often travel hundreds of miles to lend a hand. In these critical moments, ToolBank Disaster Services offers a lifeline, bridging the gap between disaster and relief with our tools and equipment. For more information, visit: www.toolbank.org/toolbank-disaster-services.
Media Contact:
ToolBank USA
Julie M. Italiano
Phone: (513) 258-7381
Email: julie.italiano@toolbank.org