Report from Maui from ACEC Vice Chair Janice Marsters

ACEC National ExCom Vice Chair Janice Marsters - Report from Maui

Sent to ACEC/MA from ACEC National

A number of you have asked about the situation in Maui.  We received the message below from ExCom member Janice Marsters, who is a Senior Principal with member firm Haley & Aldrich. Her message includes information about the Hawaii Community Foundation, a local organization coordinating relief efforts.

After the tragedy, ACEC National's President & CEO Linda Bauer Darr issued a message of support and sympathy to our members in Hawaii. "We have watched the aftermath of the Lahaina fires with horror and sadness, reminded that life is fragile, and that nature is an awesome force. As engineers, you will be the first called to meet the monumental task of recovery and rebuilding, and I know that you will meet that moment the way you meet every other: with a deep commitment to making the lives of your neighbors better and safer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your communities. Maui Strong."

Aloha all,

It was wonderful to see you all last week and I enjoyed the brief reprieve in MT (at ACEC ExCom meeting), although I admit to feeling a little “shell-shocked” at being suddenly transported from such a difficult situation to such a peaceful one, and I know my mind was distracted and not quite all there! Came back to Hawaii on Friday (cut short my planned vacation) and am doing what I can to help here.

I want to thank all of you for reaching out to me over the past few weeks since the tragic fires on Maui. I was so touched by your kind concern and prayers. There is so much loss and grief here. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had friends or family affected – either loss of home or life. Your caring certainly made a difference in my own state of mind.

There are still many struggles here – the utility company has informed us that it will be “at least several weeks” before we have power restored to our neighborhood, because the fire damage was so extensive to the power system in our area and they are still struggling to get power back to many of the resort areas on the west side that are now housing displaced persons – but I feel fortunate to have had my house spared and am managing with occasional use of a generator. I also am fortunate to have my own secure water supply, as the municipal water systems in the fire areas are contaminated.

Many of you have asked me where you could donate such that it would reach those who need it. I know that some of you have given already, and I thank you for that. But if you’re still looking for a way to support the relief efforts, my suggestion would be to the Hawaii Community Foundation. They have a well-established grant infrastructure system and are doing a great job getting money to the front lines through a variety of organizations such as Maui Food Bank, American Red Cross, Maui Humane Society, and many others you can read about on their website:

Maui Strong Fund - Hawaii Community Foundation

Thank you again for your support and concern.

Me ke aloha pumehana,

Janice

Janice Marsters
Senior Principal, Government Market Leader
​Haley & Aldrich, Inc.
Office: (808) 587-7747

www.haleyaldrich.com