LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Pierce and Keely Shaye Brosnan are the most recent in a long line of famous people to speak out in favour of the people of Hawaii. The local residents have seen devastating loss to life and property because of the wildfires engulfing Maui that have already claimed 36 lives.
Since 2018, when Camp Fire ravaged California and claimed nearly 85 lives, wildfires are being categorized as "major disasters" by the Biden administration. They are one of the deadliest natural diasters to occur in recent memory.
Pierce, 70, and Keely, 59, are state citizens living on Kauai Island. Keely posted a video to Instagram of the sea and vistas spanning the island at sunset to remind followers of the island state's beauty.
She issued a request for assistance from her followers, writing: "My heartfelt and sincere prayers for Maui, the Hawaiian community, residents, families, and animals affected by these unprecedented wildfires."
In her appeal, she added, "If you are able, please consider making a donation to the Hawaii/Maui Community Foundation to help those in need." She ended with "Mahalo Nui Loa," which translates to "Thank you very much." Her post attracted comments like, "My heart is with the Hawaii community," and, "This is so so devastating. Hawaii is God's Country," as well as: "Thank you for sharing. It brings so much awareness."
Several other famous personalities, like Barack and Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris and Jennifer Aniston, have also praised the people of Hawaii for how they have come together to mitigate the damage to their island-state and have urged their followers to lend a hand by donating.
Barack and Michelle Obama
The former president Barack Obama took to Twitter, and asked his followers to make donations. He wrote, "It’s tough to see some of the images coming out of Hawai’i — a place that’s so special to so many of us. Michelle and I are thinking of everyone who has lost a loved one, or whose life has been turned upside down. If you’d like to help, you can do so here." He shared the link where netizens can donate- http://hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
Kamala Harris
The current vice-president, Kama Harris, shared her feelings around the wildfire, and wrote," Doug and I are thinking about the families and communities devastated by the wildfires in Lahaina and across Maui. We pray for the heroic first responders who are fighting to protect the island and save lives. Our Administration has ordered federal support for response and rescue efforts in Hawaii, and we urge all residents to follow local alerts and instructions during this difficult time."
Jennifer Aniston
'FRIENDS', star Jennifer Aniston shared an Instagram story where she asked her followers to provide assit Hawaii residents. Her Instagram story reads, "Please help if you can- link below for some resources."
Jeremy Renner
'Avengers' star Jeremy Renner expressed his grief in an Instagram story and wrote, "Very devestating to see my old home and the most magical community destroyed."
Jason Momoa
'Aquaman' star Jason Moma wrote a lengthy note that starts with, "We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and ‘ohana on Maui who been impacted by the recent wildfires. ❗️Link in our bio to organizations that are helping❗️ #repost @ainamomona"
The post adds, "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."
Enumerating the losses, he wrote, "Lahaina town is gone. Many other places on Maui were also affected. We continue to send pule (prayers) to this incredible community."
He continued, "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," ends the 'Aquaman' star's note.
Kyra Sedgwick
'The Summer I turned Pretty' actor Kyra Sedgwick shared several stories on her Instagram, and asked her followers to help in the aftermath of the Hawaii disaster.
One of her stories read, "Ways to help," with links to relevant organizations and web pages.
The estimate of 1,000 people missing, according to a Maui County official, maybe "somewhat exaggerated," the local council's chair, Alice Lee, stated to the BBC's Newsday program. "We have no confirmation of that many people missing as of right now," she added.
According to Lee, the fires may slow down as the winds have decreased and there has even been some rain.
She continued by saying that thousands of people in west Maui, the region most severely impacted by the fires, will now be jobless.
“We’re in a very difficult situation,” she said. “Luckily for us we have a very strong community, everybody’s trying to help each other, and we know we can make it through this difficulty – but yes it’s going to take several years," as reported by BBC.
