Many local organizations are raising funds for the people and families affected by the devastating fires on the Hawaiian island of Maui including Signia by Hilton in San Jose. The hotel’s Executive Chef Hanz Letz and Executive Sous Chef Joseph Derla both have family and residence ties to Hawai’i and wanted to do something more for the people.
The chefs decided to showcase their own mālama(care for) with the introduction of a new brunch menu that directs 100% of proceeds to the Kokua Hospitality and Restaurant Fund.
Every Sunday from now through Oct. 1, guests dining at the Fountain can choose the “Menu for Maui” alongside regular brunch offerings. Letz and Derla designed the menu to inspire support for the restaurant, bar and hospitality workers displaced by the wildfires impacting the West Maui communities. Menu highlights include Braised Short Rib Loco Moco, Ube Custard French Toast Pudding, and Fish and Poi.
The Kokua Hospitality and Restaurant Fund is managed directly by the nonprofit Hawai’i Ag & Culinary Alliance, which produces the annual Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival and has worked to support community-based organizations that support sustainability, culinary and agricultural education and cultural programs in Hawai’i since 2011.
The wildfires started on Aug. 8 and were quickly fueled by strong, hurricane force winds. Historic Lahaina Town in West Maui was decimated. Three of the fires are still active today. At least 114 people died in the fires, which moved so quickly that some people did not have the time to evacuate. More than 1,800 others have been displaced and are sheltering in hotels in other parts of Maui.
There are several ways to donate to the relief efforts in Maui. The Maui Strong Fund was organized by the Hawai’i Community Foundation and has already raised more than $52 million dollars to help with shelter, food and other relief efforts on the island.
The American Red Cross is also on site, helping with relief efforts.