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Blackstone, the owner of Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, is providing $1.5 million in relocation relief and assistance payments, as well as charitable donations, in the wake of recent wildfires on Maui.
The support includes $500,000 in donations to Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund and Maui Food Bank, as well as $3,000 in relocation relief and assistance payments to every resident and employee at Grand Wailea, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and Front Street Apartments who lost their homes.
“On behalf of Blackstone, our hearts are with every individual who was affected by the devastating Maui fires," Kathleen McCarthy, global co-head of Blackstone Real Estate, said in a statement. "We hope this support, coupled with our teams working tirelessly to provide shelter, food and other donations, will help ease the burden of residents and employees at our properties, and all those who call Maui home.”
Andrew Rogers, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, said in a statement that the donation by the hotel owners "will go a long way toward meeting their immediate needs and helping our island recover.”
Blackstone also is supporting other efforts at Grand Wailea and The Ritz-Carlton Maui.
According to information provided by the company, the resorts, in partnership with World Central Kitchen, have been preparing more than 1,750 meals each day to feed displaced local residents and relief workers; hundreds of displaced residents are being sheltered at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; the hotels have provided laundry service and fresh linens to emergency shelters across the island and distributed supplies and personal items donated by team members; and the Grand Wailea was the lead sponsor and host of the recent Wiwoole Maui Benefit Concert.
“Grand Wailea sends our aloha and condolences to everyone impacted by the catastrophic wildfires," Managing Director J.P. Oliver said in a statement. "We are grateful for Blackstone’s compassionate and generous donation to help our team members who lost everything and assist local residents in this time of great need. We will be there every step of the way to help Maui heal.”