Queries on Maui Strong
What is the Maui Strong Fund?
The Maui Strong Fund is managed and operated by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF). HCF created the Maui Strong Fund immediately following the August 2023 wildfires to provide rapid, flexible financial resources for immediate and long-term recovery, focusing on sheltering, food, and financial assistance.
Who funds the HCF?
The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF) Maui Strong Fund is funded by a diverse mix of over 240,000 global donors, including individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations from nearly 80 countries. As of late 2025, it has raised over $210 million to support Maui wildfire survivors, featuring major contributions from entities like the Oak Foundation.
__Major Contributors & Partners++: Beyond individual donors, the fund is supported by foundations such as the Oak Foundation ($4M donation), and works in collaboration with organizations like the American Red Cross, Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente.
Who owns the Oak Foundation?
The Oak Foundation was established in 1983 by British billionaire Alan Parker and his wife, Jette, with resources originating from Parker’s success as a partner in Duty Free Shoppers (DFS Group). Registered in Switzerland, it is a family-run foundation, with the Parker family serving on its board of directors.
Who owns the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation?
The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation is a private, non-profit organization established in 1962 by Hawaii landowner and philanthropist Harold Kainalu Long Castle. It is governed by a board of directors, and effective July 1, 2025, it is led by Co-CEOs Alex Harris and Eric Co, with Mitch D'Olier serving as board chair. Focus Areas: The foundation invests in public education, nearshore marine resource conservation, climate resiliency, and strengthening communities in Windward O'ahu.Assets: It is one of the largest private foundations in Hawaii, with assets of approximately ($173.5) million as of 2023.
Hard to tell from these queries whether these funding sources are legit or part of Strong Cities movement, would take a deeper dig.