On August 8, 2023, the devasting fire of Lahaina on Maui wiped out thousands of structures, with 86% of them being residential properties in West Maui. Two locals, Matthew Murasko and Duane Sparkman, founded nonprofit Treecovery, to help rebuild the community of Maui. Treecovery’s vision is to keep the trees in the fire zones alive and provide trees at no charge to the residents and businesses in Lahaina and Kula that lost their trees in the wildfire. So far, the team has planted over 3,400 trees, recovered over 150, and have grown to over 50 volunteers. Treecovery aims to plant over 30,000 trees with 20,000 of them being in Lahaina. While the team has amassed many volunteers and donors, this recovery effort requires more assistance from other residents, businesses, and schools as well.
Not only is Treecovery providing aid for trees and replanting trees; by partnering with Punahou School, they are educating the next generation on growing compost to ensure that the lands remain fertile. They are piloting a project with the school to increase sustainable agriculture over 2 acres. Murasko and Sparkman are also looking to aid Hawaii’s economy by supporting local nurseries, construction companies, and by providing additional work opportunities for many residents.
Sparkman recounted a recent encounter he had, “A mother called me, and she had asked if we could come to her daughter’s birthday party to plant a tree. So, we rounded up a few volunteers to show up for the birthday party to plant a tree. We want people to feel good and feel better. When we give, we heal. When they receive, they heal. This is kokua – to give without the expectation of receiving. That’s what this project is and we are going to give away as much as we can. The people need help and the land needs trees.” There is a personal element to this movement and it is the heart of Treecovery which is why so many locals and mainlanders are looking for ways to support their efforts near and far.
