On an ongoing basis, Wailuku nonprofit Ka‘ehu invites families impacted by the August 2023 wildfires to partake in lei making, lauhala weaving, plant stamping, T-shirt printing and other cultural activities. The repetitive tasks ground attendees in their bodies as they reflect on their feelings and thoughts. Attendees can also participate in ho‘oponopono, lomilomi, grief counseling, and other services. These activities are part of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s culturally grounded and holistic approach to Maui’s mental health response. Embracing the principles of trauma-informed care, it recognizes that a variety of alternative therapies can help individuals impacted by a collective trauma reflect on and improve their mental health.
HCF’s Maui Strong Fund mental health strategy stems from Hawai‘i’s efforts to become a trauma-informed state. In February 2024, Gov. Josh Green declared Hawai‘i trauma-informed and directed the state Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) to implement a trauma-informed care framework throughout state departments and with community-based organizations. The framework integrates safety, trust and transparency, empowerment, collaboration, peer support, and honoring cultural, gender and historical issues.
HCF’s strategy has led to better coordination and more diverse therapeutic support options for fire-affected households. For example, the foundation has contracted nine clinicians and group practices to provide free therapy sessions to affected individuals—up to 10 sessions—and on-site mental health support at community meetings. It’s a short-term solution to reduce barriers to mental health care, such as lack of insurance or when individuals find it too difficult to get therapy sessions approved by their health insurance. “We really need to understand the needs of Maui and the needs of those serving those in Maui,” says Michele Navarro Ishiki, director of mental health services at Piha Wellness and Healing, and one of the contracted clinicians providing therapy funded by HCF’s Maui Strong Fund. Michele has been providing trauma-informed individual and community care to those affected by the Maui fires.
More requests for mental health support are expected as more individuals and families affected by the fire move into stable housing. Many partners and HCF grantees in mental health and wellness are preparing to meet the needs of people that will seek services in the upcoming months.
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