HSTA’s Maui Chapter accepted the check during a ceremony Friday in Lahaina
Posted: September 4, 2026
During a ceremony at Lahainaluna High Friday, the teachers’ union local in Paradise, Calif., which was ravaged by wildfires eight years ago, donated a $4,288 check to the Hawai’i State Teachers Association to support island teachers affected by recent storms.
The check presentation came one day before a special football game called the Unity Bowl, in which Lahainaluna will host the team from Paradise High under the theme “Two Towns, One Spirit.”
The Unity Bowl brings together two communities forever linked by tragedy and transformed by resilience. In 2018, Paradise, Calif., was devastated by the Camp Fire—the deadliest wildfire in California history. Five years later, in Aug. 2023, Lahaina suffered the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, with more than 100 fatalities. Both towns experienced profound loss, but both refused to be defined by adversity.
During a brief ceremony early Friday afternoon on the Lahainaluna High football field, football players and coaches from Paradise High gathered alongside Lahainaluna students as the Paradise teachers’ union local presented a check to Ashley Olson, president of HSTA’s Maui Chapter.
“So often tragedy brings out the true spirit of humanity, kindness and aloha. Paradise is another really small town, and they understand what we’ve been through in a way that people from other places don’t because we share the same small-town values,” said Olson, a longtime teacher at Lahainaluna.
“Football has been a touchstone for both of our communities, and just like Lahainaluna has graduates who have returned to teach and coach at their alma mater, Paradise High has many graduates who serve as faculty and coaches, teaching the next generation,” Olson added.
The Unity Bowl game takes place at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Sue D. Cooley Stadium at Lahainaluna High.
HSTA members who experienced significant losses to their primary residence or classroom/workspace from Hurricane Lala last month can apply for assistance through the union’s Crises Fund until Sept. 28.
Relief assistance is intended to help offset recovery-related expenses following Hurricane Lala damage. Each qualifying category is eligible for at least $250 in relief. For instance, a member whose classroom and home sustained serious damage could qualify for a $500 payment. Award amounts will be determined based on the number of approved applicants, the extent of need, and available funding.