August 17, 2023
No. 273
Devastating wildfires on the island of Maui in the US state of Hawaii have resulted in over 100 dead, several hundred missing, 10,000 people displaced, and over 1,000 structures lost, as well as extensive damage to transportation and internet infrastructure and losses of billions of US dollars. This is one of the most destructive wildfires in the US in recent years. To assist with reconstruction and express its staunch friendship with the United States, the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has pledged US$500,000 to help the local government and victims with relief and reconstruction.
Through the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Honolulu, the government is communicating with the Hawaiian state government to facilitate the donation. In principle, on the recommendation of the Hawaiian government, Taiwan will present the funds to the Maui Strong Fund established by the Hawaii Community Foundation, ensuring that the funds can be directly distributed.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States enjoy friendly relations, and people-to-people ties are strong. Taiwan and Hawaii have enjoyed sister-state relations for 30 years. Taiwan is promptly extending a helping hand to Maui following the destruction, showing that Taiwan can help and Taiwan is helping and expressing a hope that the people of Maui will rebuild and return to life as usual as soon as possible. (E)