By Kim Ji-eun

The Korean government handed over emergency relief supplies to the Hawaii state government suffering from damage from the fires on Maui island on August 16.

Consul-General of the Republic of Korea to Honolulu Lee Seo Young handed over the Korean government’s emergency relief items, including bottled water, food, blankets, and generators, to Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke at the Hawaii State Capitol in downtown Honolulu at 11:00 on August 16, local time.

The fires on Maui island have left 106 people dead, the largest loss of life in Hawaii since it became the 50th state of the United States in 1959, and it is also known as the largest number of fatalities from wildfires in the entire U.S. in the last 100 years. U.S. President Joe Biden declared Hawaii a federal disaster area on August 10.

Consul-General Lee stated that on behalf of the Korean government and people, he offers deep condolences and words of comfort to the citizens of Maui who have suffered significant loss of life and property due to the recent fires. He went on to say that the U.S. is Korea's sole ally, and the Korean government promptly decided to provide US$2 million to Hawaii for the recovery from the fire damage. He also mentioned that Hawaii is the place where the history of Korean immigration to the U.S. began, and this year is a meaningful one that marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Korea-U.S. alliance. 

He added that the people of Korea sincerely wish the citizens of Maui a swift recovery from the damage and a vigorous return to their daily lives and with a strong Korea-U.S. alliance, Korea will always stand together with the U.S. during difficult times.

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke expressed sincere appreciation, stating that at a time when Hawaii is coming together to support Maui in the wake of the fires in Maui County a week ago, she, on behalf of Hawaii, extends deep gratitude to President Yoon Suk Yeol and the people of Korea for the swift decision by the Korean government, the U.S.’ closest ally, to offer large-scale assistance. She also said that the relationship between Korea and Hawaii, which began with Korean immigration 120 years ago, continues to be strong, as evident with Korea's humanitarian assistance.

CEO and President of the Hawaii Community Foundation Micah Kane mentioned that the assistance from the Korean government is the largest single donation and will be a very essential resource in the implementation of short- and long-term plans for Maui's recovery. He sincerely thanked the Korean government and people.

This assistance from the Korean government comes in the year marking the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance and the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to Hawaii. 

The assistance is expected to help the Hawaii state government and residents swiftly return to daily lives and contribute to deepening cooperative relations between the two countries in addressing global issues such as climate change.