Kokua Restaurant & Hospitality Fund for Maui

Geographic Scope: Hawaii, with specific focus on Maui wildfire impact

Focus Areas:

• Emergency financial assistance for restaurant, bar, and hospitality workers
• Food security and basic living expenses
• Economic support for culinary industry during crises

Background:
Originally established May 2020 to provide immediate support to restaurant and bar workers impacted by COVID-19 pandemic closures. Expanded in August 2023 to support victims of devastating Maui wildfires that destroyed significant portions of Maui economy (restaurants, bars, and hospitality comprise 80% of Maui's economy).

What They Fund:

• Visa prepaid cards valued at $250 per eligible individual
• Cards usable at local restaurants throughout the state
• Covers meal costs and basic food security

Funds Raised:

• COVID-19 phase: Nearly $100,000 raised as of May 2020, with goal of $250,000 to provide ~10,000 meals
• Maui wildfire phase: Over $1,220,000 raised as of March 2024, assisting approximately 1,200 eligible individuals
• No administrative fees - 100% of donations directly channeled to recipients

Funding Sources:

• Corporate sponsor donations
• Community donations
• ALOHA Challenge social media fundraising campaign (COVID-19 phase) - participants danced/lip-synced to benefit fundraising
• Individual contributions

Organization Background:
Since inception, has donated over $3.5 million to local organizations supporting food sustainability, culinary education, and agriculture.

www.HFWF.me or www.HawaiiFoodandWineFestival.com
Follow: #kokuaforrestaurants and @HIFoodWineFest on Instagram/Facebook

Application Process (Maui Wildfire Phase)

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria listed below
2. Gather Required Documentation: Prepare paystubs and identification
3. Complete Online Application: Submit application via www.HFWF.me (application portal)
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Include required copies of paystubs
5. Receive Visa Card: Upon approval, Visa card valued at $250 mailed via U.S. mail
6. Use at Participating Restaurants: Card accepted at participating restaurants throughout Hawaii (any restaurant accepting Visa credit cards)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current resident of State of Hawaii
• Must provide valid Hawaii State Driver's License or Hawaii State Identification Card number
• Worked full-time or part-time in restaurant or bar industry for at least 90 days prior to layoff/furlough
• Restaurant or bar employment was primary source of income for the past year
• Experienced decrease in wages or loss of job on or after August 8, 2023 (Maui wildfire date) or March 17, 2020 (for COVID-19 phase)
• Must provide copies of paystubs from two periods:
  • Paystub dated December 17, 2019 or earlier (or comparable pre-crisis period)
  • Last paystub received (pay period must include crisis date: March 17, 2020 or August 8, 2023)

Required Documents:

• Valid Hawaii State Driver's License or Hawaii State ID Card number
• Two paystubs (pre-crisis and most recent)
• Proof of employment in restaurant/bar industry

Selection Process:

• Awards made on first-come, first-served basis
• Limited to one Visa card per person
• HACA reserves right to reject applications with suspected false information

Restrictions:

• Card may have some restrictions on use
• Only accepted at participating restaurants throughout Hawaii
• Award period through April 30, 2024 (original COVID timeline) or until funds exhausted