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Direct Relief Supports Emergency Airlift of Supplies to Molokaʻi Following Hawaiʻi Flooding

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaiʻi coordinates delivery of essential supplies to communities impacted by severe flooding.

News

Extreme Weather

Two relief workers loading orange Direct Relief emergency supply totes into the cargo hold of a Kamaka Air Cessna 208 Caravan on a sunny tarmac in Hawai'i.
A shipment of emergency supplies in response to recent flooding is loaded onto a Kamaka Air plane bound for Moloka‘i, coordinated with Kamaka Air, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Supplies include water purification equipment, hygiene kits, and solar chargers.(Photo by Ben Bishop for Direct Relief)
By Brea Burkholz

Direct Relief supported an emergency airlift of essential supplies to Molokaʻi following severe flooding caused by a Kona Low weather system, in coordination with the Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaiʻi, or HMHB.

The flight, operated by Kamaka Air with donated cargo space, transported requested aid from Oʻahu to Molokaʻi to support communities affected by flooding.

Delivered supplies included:

  • Personal care items for individuals who have been displaced
  • Solar chargers and solar lights for people experiencing power outages
  • Water purification supplies to support access to safe drinking water amid boil water advisories

“On Molokaʻi, we know our communities and where the needs are greatest,” said Pohai Aarona, Community Health Nurse with Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaiʻi. “This support allows us to get essential supplies directly to families who have been impacted by flooding, including those who may be harder to reach. It’s about showing up quickly and making sure no one is overlooked.”

Molokaʻi, like many neighbor island communities, faces logistical challenges during emergencies, making air transport critical to ensuring timely delivery of aid.

“At Kamaka Air, we believe Hawaiʻi takes care of its own. Through our Kamaka Cares initiative, we’re committed to showing up when our communities need us most—especially for our neighbor islands like Molokaʻi,” said Peter Banfield, CEO of Kamaka Air. “We’re proud to support this effort alongside trusted partners to ensure essential supplies reach families quickly, safely, and with care.”

In addition to the airlift to Molokaʻi, Direct Relief has committed $25,000 in emergency funding to support HMHB’s response efforts across the islands, including care delivered through mobile units and distribution of essential supplies to impacted communities.

“In moments like this, it’s often the small, everyday essentials that matter most,” said Staci Richard, Head of U.S. Emergency Response at Direct Relief. “Items like hygiene supplies can help families maintain their health, dignity, and a sense of stability after being displaced. We’re grateful to work alongside local partners who know their communities and are making sure this support reaches people who need it most.”

Since March 1, 2026, more than two tons of requested medicines and supplies have departed from Direct Relief’s California warehouse to health providers across the Hawaiian Islands, including more than 100,000 defined daily doses of medication.

Recipients include Waimānalo Health Center, Molokai Ohana Healthcare, and the Maui Department of Health. Shipments have included essential medicines, medical supplies, water purification resources, and field medic packs to support care both in clinics and through community outreach.

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