'Devastated' Jason Momoa Addresses Tragic Maui Wildfires—Other Celebs Also Show Support
Jason Momoa is showing support to those affected by the wildfires in Maui.
The Game of Thrones alum, who is a Honolulu native, reposted information shared by Hawaiian non-profit organizations, educating followers on how to help the Maui community amid the dangers of the wildfires.
One repost was from the account of ?āina Momona, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Hawaiian lands through social justice, which is holding a fundraiser to help those in Maui.
"We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and ‘ohana on Maui who been impacted by the recent wildfires," the caption, also shared to Momoa's page, reads.
The post continues, "On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, a terrible combination of drought conditions and hurricane weather led to widespread wildfires across the Island of Maui. Families were forced to evacuate on short notice, many escaping with only the clothes on their backs."
It added, "Information on injuries and fatalities is still coming in. Lahaina town is gone. Many other places on Maui were also affected. We continue to send pule (prayers) to this incredible community."
According to the post, all the funds raised by ?āina Momona will go to the Hawaii Community Foundation Maui County Strong Fund.
Momoa also reposted information initially shared by Mauna Kea Education and Awareness (MKEA), which details where to find the family member locator list and asks for those who have reconnected with loved ones initially displaced by the fires to please update the list.
Jeremy Renner commented underneath Momoa's repost, "This just kills me …. A magical community I once called home." Former Wipeout host Jill Wagner wrote, "This is beyond sad . I will donate and send prayers and healing energy to all affected." Terry Crews also appeared in the comments, leaving emotional emojis: "??????????."
Besides Momoa, other celebrities also spoke out in support of the Maui community.
Pierce Brosnan's wife Keely Brosnan, who lives with her husband in the state of Hawaii, shared a statement in an Instagram post, writing, "My sincere and heartfelt prayers for Maui & Hawai’i Counties, the Hawaiian community, residents, families and animals affected by these unprecedented wildfires. If you are able, please consider making a donation to the Hawaii / Maui Community Foundation to help those in need. Mahalo Nui Loa ???? #climatechange #climateemergency."
Nick Lachey, who relocated to Hawaii with his family as his wife, Vanessa Lachey, films NCIS Hawai’i, also called attention to the wildfires on Instagram, writing, "Thoughts and prayers go out to all affected on Maui as they battle these incredibly destructive wildfires. While the resilience of the Hawaiian people is legendary, this tragedy will take time and resources to rebuild from. I’ve put a link in my bio, please help if you can."
Former President Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, tweeted, "It’s tough to see some of the images coming out of Hawai’i — a place that’s so special to so many of us. Michelle and I are thinking of everyone who has lost a loved one, or whose life has been turned upside down. If you’d like to help, you can do so here. https://hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong.
Connie Britton, who filmed White Lotus season 1 on the island of Maui, shared that her "heart is broken," writing on Instagram, “Your generous island and shores held us so lovingly when we shot @thewhitelotus during covid in 2020. And now we send massive love and strength for recovery during this unbearable time.”
Nicole Scherzinger, who was born in Honolulu, and often visits the islands, also shared prayers and information about where people can donate on her Instagram page.
The wildfires began in Maui on Tuesday, Aug. 8, destroying the homes of thousands. As of the time of writing, 55 people are reported to have died during the wildfires in the Hawaiian island. As many as six wildfires are still active, according to NBC News.
Next: How To Help Hawaii Wildfire Survivors—10 Impactful Organizations Taking Donations Right Now