By Kim Ji-eun

The Korean government has decided to provide US$2 million in humanitarian assistance for Hawaii to help respond to damage from the fires on Maui island that started on August 8, and informed the Hawaii state government and the United States federal government of its decision.  

Governor of Hawaii Josh Green extended deep appreciation to the Korean government on behalf of the state of Hawaii for its timely decision to offer aid.

The fires, which recorded the largest number of fatalities over the period of the last 100 years of the U.S. history, left 93 people dead and some US$6 billion in damage as of August 12. 

The Korean government will purchase drinking water, food, blankets and other relief supplies through local Korean marts and deliver them to the Hawaii state government. In addition, it will donate cash to local relief groups for the Hawaii state government to use it in dealing with the aftermath of the fires. 

The Korean government’s assistance will come in the year marking the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance. It carries particular significance as Hawaii is the place where the history of Korean immigration to the U.S. began in 1903. The assistance is expected to help the Hawaii state government swiftly handle the aftermath of the disaster and Hawaii residents return to their daily lives, and to contribute to deepening friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Amid the deepening humanitarian crisis triggered by increasing damage from fires caused by climate change and the growing demand for international cooperation over this crisis, the Korean government will take part in the efforts to resolve global issues and will continue to contribute to disaster relief operations overseas in order to fulfill its vision to become a global pivotal state.