Immediately after the Maui wildfires, our Hawaiian ancestors orchestrated a meeting of two strangers at the Kula Distribution Hub. There was no doubt, the two were predestined to talk story. Both were committed to serving those shattered by the disaster but were unsure of the best path forward. Through the tears, they heard story after story of loss and devastation. Previously independent people were now dependent on everyone for everything. The overwhelming uncertainty added to the stress and confusion. Lahaina town was gone. All were relocated without transportation which made the victims feel isolated and alone.

They expressed anguish created by their inability to care for themselves and their families. Learning this, the volunteers joined forces, and Cars For Maui was born.

Car’s For Maui’s mission is to provide reliable transportation to individuals and families who lost a vehicle due to Maui’s wildfires.The Co-Founders Beth Holiday and Mark Tucker are both business owners, but not the car business. After validating the need for transportation, a way forward became apparent. They created and implemented an effective business plan that capitalized on individual talents and attracted diversified volunteers. Reaching out to family and friends, they raised $38,000. and received two vehicle donations.

Before developing policies and procedures, CFM’s Community Outreach volunteers reached out to the community. Prior to the devastation many Lahaina town residents also worked in Lahaina. They walked, rode scooters or bikes, and called the occasional Uber to get around. Other residents owned a fully functional older vehicle not covered by a comprehensive insurance policy. The outcome was no insurance payout for the loss; or the payout was insufficient to purchase another used car.

Since August 2023, Lahaina residents have been transplanted to other areas of Maui. They’ve been physically separated from family and friends. Getting around has not been easy and in some cases not possible. Maui public transportation is minimal. Without transportation, employment opportunities are extremely limited. Any hope to regain a level of normalcy is attached to mobility.

By forming a fiscal sponsorship with Lokahi Pacific a 501 c (3) nonprofit agency is the perfect partnership. Lokahi Pacific is dedicated to a big vision… “improving the quality of life, both economically and socially, for Maui County residents” by focusing on areas of community development.

It’s a win/win!

Everyone who supports “Cars for Maui” with a cash donation, or the donation of a fully functioning vehicle, could receive a tax benefit.

If you, or someone you know, might be interested in participating in the success of “Cars for Maui,” please contact us!

In our humble beginnings, we relied heavily on the generosity of many organizations to launch Cars For Maui. A special thanks to King Kamehameha High School, Baldwin High School and the University of Hawaii Maui automotive departments for their invaluable contributions.