Garrett Marrero, CEO and co-founder of Craft ‘Ohana (Maui Brewing/Modern Times) in Kihei, Hawaii has been working non-stop since the devastating Maui fires to help the local community, another shining example of how craft breweries can make a significant impact in times of need. The following is an update from Garret and how you can help the Maui Brewing team support their employees and local community.
“In our immediate restaurant Ohana we lost 136 (employees) homes,” said Garrett in an email to ProBrewer. That is nearly 40% of brewery employees who lost their home. Fortunately there were no fatalities among the workforce.
“As of last night, we confirmed zero loss of life,” Garrett said.
On the ground, there currently appears to be an ample amount of immediate-need supplies, according to Garrett. “Supplies are stabilized, we have too much here actually. We need to shift gears and start raising serious monies for Maui’s people and the rebuild,” he said.
The following 501c3 charities are the focus for Maui Brewing Co. to raise funds for. “The first two help our MBC staff the most,” according to Garrett. “All are 501c3 approved and those who donate will get donation letters for tax purposes. 100% of monies will be used for local Maui residents.”
MBC Fire Fund (operated fully by Global Empowerment Mission)
Focus is immediate cash needs, un/under-insured homes and deductible assistance when the time is right.
This fund is specific to Maui Brewing and TS restaurants teammates that have been displaced and lost their belongings and livelihoods.
Formed from local business leaders in order to lead the rebuilding efforts and fund construction for un/under-insured private local residences.
A local charity that can deploy funds immediately and has the heft to move mountains in the near and long term.
Maui brewing is also brewing a Kokua beer, much like Sierra’s Resilience beer from 2018. If you are a brewery that would like to participate, you can get the details and sign up here.
Lastly, according to Garrett, “it will be years to rebuild West Maui. The rest of Maui (Kihei, Wailea, Hana, Kahului, Upcountry, etc.) must push forward and we are open to tourism, responsible tourism, please send out that message.”