Lahaina nonprofit advocates for community

For leadership at nonprofit Kaibigan ng Lahaina, the intention behind its name and work in the community reflects a deep love for people, place and culture.

Kaibigan ng Lahaina, or “Friend of Lahaina” in Tagalog, was born from the aftermath of 2023 Lahaina wildfire, which claimed more than 100 lives and damaged thousands of homes, businesses and historic landmarks. For those who remained, access to resources, housing and other necessities were and continue to be difficult to obtain, especially for the Filipino and immigrant community, Executive Director Eric Arquero told Aloha State Daily.

“Currently, funding for a couple different of our direct assistance programs will end this month. This provided one-time financial assistance to survivors who wouldn’t qualify for other programs out there,” he said. “We also have a food distribution program running now through Sept. 5.”

According to Arquero, the organization has helped 1,600 families to date, with 250 families enrolled now in its various programs. “Things evolve very quickly in disaster recovery. We’re seeing a lot of basic needs coming up again, such as housing and high cost-of-living, which has put a strain on the survivor families here.”

Board President Nestor Ugale Jr., added, “I mean, two years later, it’s not fair to say that the recovery phase is [done] and we’re onto resiliency, but I do think we are moving toward resiliency. … We try to stay ahead of trends and watch out for ʻcliffsʻ like insurance or funding changes for homeowners, and we even aim to stay ahead of the game for renters.

Another “cliff” the nonprofit is monitoring, he said, is the end of financial assistance and direct temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, come February 2026.

Thanks to local government, private and public sector partnerships, Kaibigan ng Lahaina has offered auxiliary services for the community since 2023. At the end of 2024, the organization was awarded a $1.6 million grant over two years from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund.

What’s been spent so far? “A lot of it is operational, for staffing and longevity purposes. We were able to start with seed money for our programming. But another goal was standing up a resource center, or a physical space for the community to rely on long-term,” Ugale said. He added that it has been hard to find real estate on the Valley Isle. “We’ve been taking out time, based on the inventory out there, but we’re getting close.”

Arquero added, “Where we are now is reevaluating these programs based on the shifting changes within the community. So, I think strategically, we are definitely open to diversifying grants and working with different funders, which would allow us to work on more targeted programming.”

Top-of-mind for Ugale is “setting up an advisory board for the volunteer board members to increase capacity, community engagement and ensure programs have a long-term, sustainable outlook.”

“We started off as a group of friends/classmates wanting to fill a void,” he said. “At first, it was making ourselves available to be a part of every conversation and earning the trust of other partners and aid organizations.”

“We keep ʻLahainaʻ in our name mainly because that is who we serve. We might represent Filipinos, but we represent Lahaina first, and it’s those values of this community that we all grew up with – whether we’re immigrants or first, third generation. Whatever path we come from, we identify with Lahaina as our guiding star.”

Arquero’s advice to other community leaders is, “Don’t lose your identity.”

“Build relationships. Meet people where they are," he said. "What’s most important to us is the trust of our community, our clients. We’re a part of this community, too, and want to be a good partner, a friend.”

Upcoming event

This Sunday, June 22, Kaibigan ng Lahaina will host its second Lahaina Palengke Night at Lahaina Cannery Mall to spotlight local business, provide community resources and celebrate Filipino culture through dance, music, food and more.

The inaugural event was held in November 2024.

Sponsored by Central Pacific Bank Foundation, Lahaina Palengke Night is free to attend and will run from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

“This go around will be true to our vision of supporting local small businesses in Lahaina,” Arquero said. “Our role is to be a convener, to hold space and provide a safe, family fun event where the community can come together.”

“People can expect a true community event, plus we’ll highlight Filipino culture through music and dance. Food, apparel and crafted goods will be for sale.”

For more information, visit kaibigannglahaina.org/palengke.

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.