HFFN Helps Coordinate Disaster Relief After the Maui Fires

When the devastating wildfires swept through Lahaina on August 8, 2023, the bird and parrot community on Maui found itself in urgent need of support — and HFFN was ready to help.

AFA Disaster Relief reached out across the state to coordinate the massive effort needed to assist displaced birds and their owners. Our own Lea Hollingsworth-Ramsey connected with AFA to help assess not only what was needed on the ground, but also the complex logistics of transporting supplies from the mainland to the fire-ravaged island.

The response was remarkable. AFA Disaster Relief, HFFN, The Parrot Posse, My Safe Bird Store, and A&E Cage Co. joined forces to provide 15 cages to those who lost everything. Hollingsworth-Ramsey and the HFFN team played a hands-on role in coordinating delivery and assembly for the displaced birds.

Among those helped were David Vanzo and Barrie Matthews, owners of The Lahaina Bird Stand — a beloved Lahaina Harbor landmark for 25 years. They escaped with 15 birds, 4 dogs, and as many cats as they could carry. Their home and business were completely destroyed in the fires.

Donations of food, toys, and supplies from organizations including Kaytee, Royal Avian Specialties, Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition, and many others made their way to Maui and into the hands — and claws — of those who needed them most.

We are proud of the role HFFN played in this relief effort, and deeply grateful to everyone who contributed. This is exactly what our community does — we show up for each other.

This story was originally featured in Watchbird Magazine, Volume 51, July 2024, published by the American Federation of Aviculture (AFA). As a wonderful bonus, Lea Hollingsworth-Ramsey has since been appointed AFA State Coordinator for Hawaii. Congratulations, Lea!