Blog - Boots On The Ground Maui

August 28, 2023 By Kyle 0

Press Release: “Boots on the Ground Maui” Launches to Help Rebuild West Maui and Surrounding Neighborhoods

LAHAINA, Hawaii, Aug. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Kim & Kai McLaughlin, long-time residents of Maui, along with friends and business partners Derek & Ashley Hyman have announced the creation of “Boots on the Ground Maui”. In response to the recent tragedy of the Lahaina fires that destroyed historic Lahaina Town and surrounding neighborhoods, the organization will take action to help restore the community. “Our mission is not just to provide temporary relief but to create a culture-changing solution that will transition the Aina from division and imbalance of home stability to a thriving, growing, sustainable, and affordable community,” said Kim McLaughlin. By providing resources, support, and sustainable strategies, the organization seeks to empower individuals and families to regain stability and thrive within their community both in the immediate aftermath…

August 25, 2023 By Kim Mclaughlin 0

Resilience: How One Teacher Keeps Moving Forward

Imagine finally making moves to start a new life with three young children. These types of big decisions do not come easily, quickly nor without bravery. And yet somehow when it is time and when it is necessary, we find the strength to make big changes. Even when we feel small. Carla Reader Hazlet is one of these types of women. Resilient. She is a teacher at Lahaina Intermediate and is an adventurous and loving Mother to 3 beautifully vibrant children. Her network of friends include like-minded family oriented folks in our community. Over the years we have seen each other at many camping trips at Olowalu, kid’s birthday parties, pizza parties and talk story hangouts with friends.…

August 23, 2023 By Kim Mclaughlin 0

The Landing Spot: Finding the Pante and Mamao Family A Place to Settle

The hardest thing about devoting my time to our newly founded corporation Boots On The Ground Maui is reading the screen on my laptop through my misty eyes and aching soul. Trudging the path of doing what I can to help those affected by the fire, is a constant dance. One that just like many of us on the Island I do without any hesitation. My time flows between work, family life, loved ones and of course the daily needs of our community which in a matter of hours- mushroomed into a cloud of smoke and fire. Forever changed, yet eternally stronger because of it. One minute there is a sense of purposefulness that gives energy to the…

August 21, 2023 By Kyle 3

The Ohana Restoration Grant – supporting the Maui Fire Department (MFD) Families

In the face of raging wildfires, Maui’s bravest stood in the frontline, selflessly battling the flames to protect our community. Tragically, while they were saving lives and properties, they lost their own homes to the fire. Today, Boots on the Ground Maui is launching “The Ohana Restoration Grant” – supporting the Maui Fire Department (MFD) Families, a fundraising campaign dedicated to these courageous firefighters and their families. As they’ve been there for us, it’s now our turn to stand with them, turning this heartbreaking loss into a journey of recovery and rebuilding. Join us as we rally support for our heroes in their time of need. In the heart of our beloved Maui, fifteen heroic families, with 55…

August 18, 2023 By Kyle 0

Interview with Co-Founder Kim McLaughlin on BBC Breakfast

As many of you know, Boots on the Ground Maui was born out of the devastating fire that ravaged the historic old town of Lahaina. Our mission since then has grown from disaster relief to working to address Maui’s housing crisis with solution-oriented actions that will bring about a culture change and transform our Aina into a thriving, sustainable, and affordable community. Recently, we had the honor of having our co-founder, Kim McLaughlin, share our story with the world during an interview on BBC Breakfast with host Jon Kay. Kim is a successful realtor from Maui who sprang into action in the hours and days following the fire. Her efforts to raise funds and deliver much-needed supplies to…

August 16, 2023 By Kyle 3

Boots on the Ground Maui: We need your help

The entire team at Boots on the Ground Maui is proud to announce the launch of a non-profit organization dedicated to helping rebuild Maui after the tragic fires that devastated the Maui community a short week ago. Starting a non profit is not easy and we need as much help as we can get. Keep reading to learn how you can support us in our efforts to ensure the rebuilding of West Maui addresses the housing crisis that has been growing over the past few decades. What is Boots on the Ground Maui? With the recent tragedy of the Lahaina fires which completely destroyed historic Lahaina Town and surrounding neighborhoods, the team behind Boots on the Ground Maui…