A statewide disaster fund is sending money to Hawaii community groups helping people recover from Tropical Cyclone Lala and the recent Kona low — good news for families still without food and basic help.

• The Stronger Hawaii Fund gives money to trusted local groups before, during, and after disasters, not just in the immediate aftermath.
• Over $600,000 in 13 grants went out in the last ten days, with another $1.8 million due next week.
• Recipients include Vibrant Hawaii's community resource hubs, the Hawaii Food Basket, and the Salvation Army in Hilo.
• The fund was built on lessons from the Puna lava flow, the Maui wildfires, the rain bomb, and COVID, where recovery dragged on for years.
• Grants went out before Lala and before the Kona low hit, so communities could prepare rather than only react.

Outlook: The need is far bigger than the money on hand, and donations are being sought at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/hawaii.