ALAN issues update on logistics aid efforts for Maui fires disaster

The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has issued an update on its activities to help relief efforts for the Maui fires disaster. ALAN mobilized its Maui relief efforts earlier this month, shortly after the deadly fires began.

In an email update to press on August 24, ALAN noted that commodity relief goods are being distributed effectively. As the message stated, "our non-profit partners have been out and about around the island of Maui, and they report that all of the points of distribution were well stocked. In fact, some of these points have been so overwhelmed that they’ve had to stop their distribution just to sort through what people have brought."

However, ALAN added in its update that specific logistics aid needs may materialize over weeks, months or even years, so it continues to operate and update its Disaster Micro-Site to post open needs related to the fires, as they arise. In addition, ALAN stated it has created a logistics workgroup for the Hawai’i VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active In Disasters). ALAN explained its role as the leader of this group is to help identify short- and long term-needs and capabilities in order to reduce confusion, eliminate gaps and minimize duplication of effort. 

Meanwhile, ALAN says it also has been working directly with the state of Hawaii’s donations task force to assist with two start-up warehousing operations (one on Oahu, the other in California) to help handle the mountains of unsolicited product  donations it has received. These items need to be securely stored, sorted, and put to use at the right time, place, and location.  ALAN also has begun filling requests for donated logistics assistance –  including coordinating air freight shipments of the communications gear that is serving shelters, feeding operations, and supply distribution areas.

ALAN urged logistics industry leaders who have warehouse space, trucks, equipment, or supplies they would be willing to donate to this cause to go ahead and offer it via ALAN's microsite. ALAN also added it appreciates financial donations to support its response activities.

The organization reiterated its general advice that it's best to coordinate needs in an organized way rather than send individual donations without a ready recipient. As the updated stated, "PLEASE don’t try to send things to Hawai’I right now.  Relief organizations and disaster survivors have no place to store or keep them – and trying to handle the wave of incoming products has become a real challenge for our many non-profit and government partners at a time when they’re already hugely challenged."