Grove Farm Foundation donates $1M to support Maui relief, rebuilding efforts

Kaua’i-based nonprofit Grove Farm Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hawai‘i-born and raised entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Case’s Grove Farm, is donating $1 million to support communities on Maui affected by the devastating and deadly wildfires.

Maui Land & Pineapple, where Case is the majority investor, is also taking a series of steps to provide support on Maui, as well as a long-term commitment to assist with the island’s rebuilding efforts.

“The destruction and loss on Maui is devastating to watch, and the impact on communities such as Lāhainā is tragic,” said Case. “This iconic, historic town represents the best of the culture, natural beauty and warm aloha spirit that has come to define Hawai’i. My heart and prayers go out to all of those impacted across Maui by these horrific events.”

The $1 million donation will be directed to the Hawai’i Community Foundation, which launched a Maui Strong effort to mobilize support for relief and rebuilding efforts; World Central Kitchen, which is already on the ground providing food to front line workers and people who have lost their homes on Maui; and the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, both of which are working around the clock to provide shelter, food and emotional support.

Grove Farm Foundation was established by Case to support Kaua’i after he acquired the company two decades ago. Its focus has been on supporting philanthropic efforts on Kaua’i, but the crisis on Maui requires support from throughout the state. It particularly made sense for a Kaua’i-based foundation to provide funding given the tragedy Kaua’i experienced in 1992, when Hurricane Iniki devastated much of the island.

“The people of Kaua’i know from their own experience how tragic natural disasters can be,” said Don Horner, CEO of Grove Farm. “Grove Farm, and others across the state, must support Maui’s efforts to rebuild.”

Maui Land & Pineapple has mobilized support around Maui to help in the recovery effort.

The firm has worked with its hotel partners and Maui County to turn its Kapalua resort into a distribution center to get water, food and clothes to affected families. It also took steps to ensure water continues to flow in the region.

“The people of Maui have lost lives, homes, history, power and connectivity, but they haven’t lost hope,” said Race Randle, Maui Land & Pineapple CEO who was raised on Maui. “The devastation on the ground is immense, and we are doing everything we can to help. Once we get through this phase, we will step up in new ways to support the rebuilding effort.”