MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ALAN ARAKAWA
Approximately 10 years ago, shortly after I was elected Mayor the first time, someone came to me with a personal problem. It was a heart wrenching story and it occurred to me that we had no organization in Maui County that could help our people, at a moment’s notice.
Hence, I decided to create the Mayor Arakawa Community Kokua Fund. The Kokua Fund or MACK Fund assists the most needy individuals in our community with one-time grants of up to $500.00 per person. The Kokua Fund also assists organizations (such as youth organizations) with up to $1,000.00 in assistance.
This is intended to give a “hands-up” and not just granting aid to those who just want a “hand out”. There is an application process, which involves a Financial Statement and each applicant is required to write a letter explaining what the funds will be used for. An all-volunteer board, scrutinizes each application and makes a decision. For individuals, no cash is given to prevent abuse of the Fund. Instead, food, clothing or supplies are purchased for them or a utility bill is paid.
Mahalo for helping us to help those members of our community who are struggling the most, but at the same time, are trying to be contributing members of our society.
- Mayor Alan Arakawa, with wife Ann Arakawa
