About Us
CoconutLine is a 100% community-led volunteer group founded to support Maui residents impacted by natural disaster. We are currently serving those impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires by operating two store fronts in Kihei providing clothing, home goods and other necessities.
Our Story
When the devastating fires of August 8, 2023, took Maui’s beloved Lahaina Town and parts of the upcountry town of Kula, the island community came together as one, bringing immediate aid to those affected by the tragedy.
Local Maui residents, The Au-Hoon Family, joined the hundreds evacuated to Maui High School in Kahului to provide their support and assistance. In the days to follow, refugees were transferred to South Maui Community Center until being placed into temporary shelter at local hotels. With so many displaced in South Maui, it became clear a hub would be essential to provide ongoing resources to the community and Kalani Au-Hoon answered the call to action. Au-Hoon planned with the parks and recreation department, set up tents in the community center parking lot, began collecting resources and South Maui Disaster Relief aka CoconutLine was born. With the resource hub running in the park, donations were abundant, and a second location was set up as a boutique style shopping experience providing clothing, shoes, and other items for adults.
Independently, Ron Panzo, local resident and restaurateur began a relief effort of his own, the Lahaina Keiki Relief Fund, whose focus was the youngest victims of the fires. Securing a store front location at Azeka Plaza in Kihei, the group was able to create a "one stop shop” providing resources for infants and children of all ages which included clothing, formula, diapers, cribs, and everything in between.
Although the groups operated separately, many were friends and worked together supporting the community. On December 15, 2023, the Lahaina Keiki Relief Fund dissolved and the two grassroot “slippahs on the ground” organizations came together as one, incorporating under Coconutline and continue serving the community and those affected with Love and Aloha!
Preparing for the Next Steps of Recovery:
Our organization remains 100% volunteer-based, driven by the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. We are actively raising funds to sustain our operations and prepare for future challenges.
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Many individuals affected by the August disaster are still facing significant hardships, including unstable housing and limited resources. Our CoconutLine shops have evolved beyond simply distributing free goods. They have become crucial gathering spaces where people can share healing stories, connect with other resources, and find a sense of normalcy during these unpredictable times.
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We are committed to strengthening our CoconutLine ‘Ohana. By coming together, we can uplift each other and navigate these challenges as a united community. Your support is invaluable to us.
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Mahalo for being part of our journey!
