In Lahaina, Maui, wildfires that broke out on August 8, 2023 left more than 100 dead and caused extensive damage including historic buildings. Lahaina had a large population of people from Okinawa even within Maui, and once had a large Okinawan community. During post-war Okinawa relief activities, many relief supplies were delivered from Lahaina in hopes of the reconstruction of the mother island, Okinawa.
Today, we will trace the history of Okinawans in Lahaina, Maui, and share with you the damage caused by Lahaina and the fundraising activities of the Okinawa Hawaii Association (Okinawa) and the Hawaii Okinawa Association (Hawaii). In addition, the Hawaii State Library, which has a sister library agreement with Okinawa Prefectural Library, will look back on the history of the damaged Lahaina Public Library.
| Title | Lahaina: A Town in Maui where Many Uchinanchu Settled |
| Date and time | |
| Speaker | Mr. Hiroaki Hara, Okinawa Prefectural Library Ms. Stacey Aldrich, State Librarian Ms. Stacie Kaneshige, Director Hawaii United Okinawa Association Okinawa Hawai Kyokai (Okinawa Hawaii Association) Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai |
| Tool | Zoom |
| Language | Japanese, English, Portuguese, and Spanish (simultaneous interpretation) |
Promoted by Okinawa Prefectural Library
Support: Hawaii State Public Library System, Hawaii United Okinawa Association, Maui Okinawa Kenjin Kai, Okinawa Hawaii Association, International Exchange Division of the Okinawa Prefecture