Maui Update
Collaborations with the Governor’s Office of Wellness and Resiliency, the Department of Health and Support from the Hawaii American Academy of Pediatrics Creates Ongoing Playing Opportunities
When we set out to create an initiative to replace 'ukulele that were lost in the wildfires and introduce music experiences to create comfort and human connection we felt the only way to build a meaningful and appropriate resource was with the guidance and support of the residents of Maui.
Over the past few months we have had the very good fortune to meet a group of amazing Maui based music teachers, healthcare professionals and government representatives who recognize how music can positively impact the emotional well-being of thousands of displaced people living in hotel shelters.
As a result of numerous conversations I am honored to share that our initiative is now being actively promoted through a formal collaboration with representatives several government agencies focusing on wellness initiatives. Their efforts have already created ongoing weekly group lessons and Kanikapila at two hotels and efforts are being made to identify a permanent location that can be used as people leave the hotels.
Our ability to provide instruments at the hotel shelters and a recent Community Keiki Wellness Fair has been made possible through the generous support of the Hawaii American Academy of Pediatrics. Their decision to help allowed us to respond to a significant demand for replacement instruments after the wildfires and has increased our ability to re-introduce music to a community that has suffered such a great loss
To effectively promote and manage this effort we have created and shipped info cards that can be left behind at these events, left in the hotel lobbies or even slipped under the door of displaced person or family. These pieces will announce this initiative and include a QR Code that leads to form that will allow us to notify them about upcoming events and introduce links to wellness resources identified by the Department of Health.
These on-site music experiences are offered without charge and are open to adults and children at all skill levels. I hope you won't hesitate to share this opportunity to play with anyone you know who lives on Maui. They simply have to click here to register.
Mahalo nui loa for your encouragement and support. It's a privilege to do what we can to make life less stressful during the long-term recovery process of rebuilding lives and community.
If you want to support our efforts to bring music to Maui, please click below to donate.