As a former resident of New Orleans, I know the devastating impact natural disasters can have on communities. As an American who also happened to be born in Hawaii, I am writing this petition to stand in solidarity with the survivors of the wildfire that ravaged the town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui, claiming at least 115 lives, ranking it as the fifth deadliest wildfire in U.S. history, and the deadliest fire in over 100 years.

It was disheartening to say the least to learn that President Biden's aid package so far only includes a one-time direct cash payment of $700 per household, which falls far short of what is needed to support these individuals and this entire community during their recovery process, which could take years. We can do better than that. They deserve better.

The U.S. has recently shown significant support internationally, with well over $30 billion in financial and humanitarian aid sent to Ukraine so far. If our nation can find the means to support others in crisis, surely we can find the resources to spend a fraction of that amount to assist our own citizens in their time of need.

Moreover, we can take inspiration from the efforts of Dolly Parton in her home state of Tennessee. Following a wildfire that destroyed almost 1,000 homes in Gatlinburg in 2016, killing 14 people as the deadliest wildfire in Tennessee history, Dolly Parton created the My People Fund, providing everyone who lost their homes with $1,000 a month for six months, followed by a surprise final payment of $5,000—a total cash aid package of $10,000 per household. That's over 1300% larger than $700.

Here's a short documentary to watch about how effective the monthly cash was for the people of Gatlinburg, Tennessee in their town's recovery:

 

 

The survivors of the catastrophic wildfire that destroyed Lahaina are facing immense challenges as they attempt to rebuild their lives and community. Many have lost their homes, loved ones, and livelihoods. The road to recovery will be long and arduous for them, but it can be made less arduous with a level of support comparable to what Dolly provided in Tennessee. Accordingly, as signers of this petition, we urge President Biden and Congress to reconsider the current aid package provided to Maui.

We believe that each affected resident of Maui should receive cash not just once, but every month for at least one year, and that every member of a household should get it, not just the head of the household. This monthly cash assistance will help cover essential needs such as housing, food, healthcare expenses, child care, education costs for children who may have lost access to schools due to the fires' destruction, and more thanks to the infinite flexibility of cash.

It is crucial for our government not only to acknowledge but also address the magnitude of this disaster appropriately. By providing adequate economic security over an extended period, we can ensure that those affected by this tragedy can begin rebuilding their lives with a sense of security and stability. It is imperative that we come together as a nation now more than ever before.

By extending monthly cash payments to the survivors of the Maui wildfires, we can demonstrate our commitment to supporting our communities in times of crisis with the dignity and flexibility of cash and ensure that no American is left behind after a disaster of this magnitude.

We call upon President Biden, members of Congress, and relevant government agencies to take immediate action by revising the aid package for Maui wildfire survivors. Let us stand united in providing the necessary resources for the American people of Maui to recover, rebuild their lives, and restore their community. Together, we can make a difference.

UPDATE 9/1/2023: Inspired by Dolly Parton's My People Fund, Oprah and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson have founded the People's Fund of Maui to provide $1,200 a month for as long as possible to everyone in Maui who has been displaced from their homes by the fires. This is incredible news and in one way can be seen as a victory for this petition in that people who lost their homes will begin receiving monthly income without strings to help them recover and rebuild. But we also can't just keep depending on celebrities to provide the assistance that the federal government should be providing. There are also more people impacted on Maui than only those who lost their homes, who do not qualify for the $1200/mo, and also those who should qualify who likely won't get the money due to being unable to provide the necessary proof.

The tourism industry that the entire island of Maui relies upon for 70% of its economy has been devastated, with tourism now at 25% of what it was before the fires, which has already caused the permanent closing of businesses. Unemployment in Maui has skyrocketed from pre-disaster levels. This isn't only about those who lost their homes, but also about those losing their jobs, and those keeping their jobs but seeing smaller paychecks due to less tourism.

For Maui to fully and most quickly recover, the federal government should take this opportunity to do something unprecedented. It should provide monthly disaster relief payments universally to each and every resident of Maui for at least one year. Universal payments would ensure that no one in Maui goes without help, and the extra income would serve to boost the economy from the additional spending of locals instead of tourists. Businesses that would otherwise be forced to close their doors could keep them open, and would-be entrepreneurs in Maui could even open up new ones that would have local customers, creating new jobs in Maui instead of watching them disappear.

As climate-related disasters continue to accelerate and worsen, the federal government needs to recognize monthly basic income as one necessary component of not only recovering from disasters, but also escaping them and better preparing for them. There should always be an income level below which no one is allowed to fall, and now is the time to show just how effective that can be in protecting and rebuilding Maui, and in growing the resilience necessary to confront future disasters.

Every resident of Maui should be provided by the federal government a monthly basic income floor upon which to rebuild. For those with high incomes who don't need the money, they can opt out by not applying for it.

Please sign and share this petition today if you agree and show your support for the residents of Maui. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter, and please also consider a donation to the People's Fund of Maui.

Photo by Rick Bowmer, AP, via USA Today