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The Rock and Jason Momoa are speaking up after the devastating wildfires in Maui — and they’re offering ways to help … as well as some strongly-worded advice to outsiders.
The two Hollywood heavyweights — both of whom have Hawaiian heritage — have issued public statements this weekend, reflecting on the destruction left behind in Lahaina … where the body count is now nearing the 100-person mark, with several still unaccounted for.
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Jason has been posting about it all weekend, and he’s plugging an organization called the Hawai’i Community Foundation … specifically, a fund they’ve created to help the victims of Maui. In addition to the laying out a roadmap to resources, he’s got a clear message.
To all tourists considering traveling to Hawai’i, especially Maui, JM is saying … stay away.
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He writes in no uncertain terms, “Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now. DO NOT TRAVEL TO MAUI. Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply. Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need.”
Might sound like a no-brainer, but there’ve been on-the-ground reports of folks/tourists still frolicking in the area and enjoying their vacays, right in the middle of this disaster.
Heavy heart the past couple days hearing from relatives and friends from Maui.
Tourists, pls be respectful and let Lahaina grieve and heal.Cuz What the actual Fck is wrong w some ppl SMH pic.twitter.com/nBBctECukd
— Noweez (@Brewin07) August 12, 2023
@Brewin07
One video, in particular, has been going viral for what appears to be a group of tourists being taken out to sea near Maui by an excursion company … this as the photog bashes the hell out of them for being insensitive about the deadly situation all around them. That company has since apologized, insisting they were gonna donate the funds from this to charity — but vowing to halt operations for the time being. Safe to say … that’s a good call.
Now, as for Dwayne Johnson … he, too, has addressed the crisis and is pointing people to the Hawai’i Community Foundation Maui Fund as well — saying any donations and assistance will go a long way in helping restore the community, which is still reeling from the fires.
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The Rock writes, “Heartbroken but our faith and mana is strong. First responders, health care teams, hotels, locals businesses, boots on the ground organizations and all our local heroes, stay strong – we love you and appreciate you.”
He adds, “All our local families, our ohana, our aiga, stay strong thru this devastating time. Resilience resolve is our DNA. Our ancestors are in our blood. This is who we are. This is what we do. I love you. Stay strong. More to come.”
Others celebs are chiming in as well — including “Moana” star Auliʻi Cravalho — who’s been guiding people to helpful resources too. Of course, people like Jeff Bezos and Oprah are helping in a big way as well … be it with major cash donations, or other means.
Tough times, but Hollywood’s coming together to help build it all back as best they can.