Maui vacation rental owners who donated to wildfire relief may have unknowingly funded lobbying efforts against their own properties. An ethics complaint reveals potential fraud by groups claiming to help fire victims.
Following the devastating August 2023 wildfires, vacation rental owners donated generously. Relief efforts spread across social media, with groups like Lahaina Strong positioned as trusted charities.
Nearly two years later, mounting evidence suggests these donations funded political attacks against the very people who gave. Moreover, no funds appear to have reached fire victims.
Lahaina Strong became the most visible wildfire recovery name. However, state records reveal it’s not a nonprofit at all.
Instead, Lahaina Strong operates as a trade name for Ka Hooilina O Laiku LLC. Furthermore, this for-profit company lacks proper licenses and tax-exempt status.
The company doesn’t have an active general excise tax license. Additionally, it’s not registered for charitable solicitation in Hawaii.
Despite handling substantial contributions, no financial disclosures exist. Therefore, donors have no idea where their money went.
Deleted Instagram posts reveal the alleged scheme. Paele Kiakona admitted receiving payment for lobbying from donation funds.
These funds came through Our Hawaii from “corporations and philanthropic sources.” However, many donors were vacation rental owners wanting to help fire victims.
Consequently, property owners may have unknowingly funded campaigns to eliminate their own investments. This deception represents potential fraud on a massive scale.
Vacation rental owners responded immediately after the fires. Furthermore, many donated thousands believing they helped displaced families.
Susan, a donor, expressed betrayal: “I gave money to Lahaina Strong last year. Now I’m wondering if I helped or got played.”
Eric highlighted the twisted situation: “My HOA and insurance costs are $1,700 monthly before taxes. These homes will never be affordable.”
Several councilmembers openly support Lahaina Strong. Additionally, they’ve introduced legislation targeting vacation rentals.
Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez wears Lahaina Strong apparel while attacking property rights. Meanwhile, she serves on boards partnering with Our Hawaii.
This alleged fraud creates multiple legal opportunities for victims. First, donors should immediately file complaints with authorities.
Property owners who donated should document their contributions carefully. Additionally, consider joining class action lawsuits for fraudulent solicitation.
The ethics complaint already filed represents just the beginning. Moreover, criminal charges may follow if fraud allegations prove true.
Beat of Hawaii recommends checking IRS nonprofit status before donating. Furthermore, verify Hawaii state registration for charitable solicitation.
Avoid groups without public financial disclosures. Additionally, watch for political activity disguised as charity work.
Vacation rental owners learned an expensive lesson about due diligence. However, this experience may lead to justice through legal action.
Document all donations made to Lahaina Strong or Our Hawaii immediately. Subsequently, file complaints with Hawaii’s Attorney General.
Contact attorneys specializing in fraud and charitable deception. Furthermore, connect with other owners to build collective legal action.
This scandal reveals how activists exploit tragedies for political gain. Therefore, exposing this deception protects future donors and current property rights.
Your generosity after the fires showed true aloha spirit. Now, holding fraudsters accountable ensures justice for both donors and fire victims.
This is an AI-generated analysis based on ‘Visitors Donated Millions To Maui. Where Did It Go?’ originally reported by Beat of Hawaii. Read original
Photo credit: Photo by State Farm via Flickr / CC BY 2.0
