By Kaʻimipono Hanohano, Kāhealani Naeʻole and Austin Haleyalpiy
In the aftermath of the August 2023 Maui wildfires, thousands of residents needed greater access to mental health care. In response, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health contracted with Papa Ola Lōkahi to provide resources to community organizations and mental health providers through funding from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Supported by the SAMHSA Emergency Response Grant (SERG), Papa Ola Lōkahi launched Maui SERG in 2023 to coordinate mental health services and support community recovery for those impacted by the wildfires. Working in partnership with state agencies, community organizations, and service providers, Maui SERG has spent the past three years expanding behavioral health resources and fostering resilience across Maui communities.
In June 2026, Maui SERG convened providers, partners, and community organizations to reflect on what supported healing after the fires, share lessons learned, and strengthen relationships to carry this work forward.
The Maui SERG 2026 Convening brought together mental health practitioners, cultural healers, community navigators, and organizations serving individuals and families affected by the fires. Participants shared their experiences supporting community recovery and highlighted diverse pathways to healing through cultural practice, community connection, and clinical care. The gathering uplifted ongoing efforts across Maui and reinforced collaboration beyond the immediate response period.
Maui SERG providers have played a unique role in supporting healing within the community. By meeting individuals where they are and adapting services to evolving needs, they have remained trusted, front-line partners throughout the recovery process. Their compassionate, culturally grounded approach continues to support individuals, families, and communities as they move forward.
To learn more about Maui SERG providers, hear their stories, and learn the impact they have had, visit polhi.org/MauiSERG.
Kaʻimipono Hanohano, from Kula, coordinates the Maui SERG program, working closely with partners and the Department of Health. D. Kāhealani Naeʻole, EdD, also from Kula, is director of Ka Pūnana, overseeing community investment, collective impact and other innovative initiatives at Papa Ola Lōkahi. Austin Haleyalpiy, from Wailuku, also helps to coordinate Maui SERG and Papa Ola Lōkahi’s network of community health workers.
