August 29 marks three weeks since devastating fires left an indelible mark on the Maui community and tragedy in Lahaina. We want to stop and recognize how difficult this time is for everyone, especially for those on Maui. In these trying times, our ‘Aloha spirit’ has shone through, exemplified by the exceptional efforts of our Bayer Hawaii Ohana in Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.

All of us at Bayer Hawaii are stepping up to provide unwavering support to our friends and families affected by this tragedy. With deep roots on Maui that extend back over 50 years, our commitment to the community and the vital agricultural heritage that sustains it is resolute.

The heartache and challenges faced by our fellow community members have spurred us into action, and Bayer Hawaii is actively engaged in offering aid, resources, and relief wherever it is needed most. “We’re thinking of our family and friends on Maui and how we can help. We have our vision at Bayer: Health for All, Hunger for None. In support of that vision, we’ve announced that we’ll be contributing $500,000 to relief efforts on Maui in support of that vision and our community,” explained Alan Takemoto, Government Affairs Lead at Bayer.

That donation includes a $250,000 cash donation along with $250,000 in essential healthcare products to Direct Relief. “It’s a very tight-knit community,” adds Alan, “and we’re all here to help and support wherever we can. That’s just the beginning of what we can and will do.” 

Meanwhile, our dedicated employees on Maui have been working tirelessly, volunteering their time and energy with various organizations, shelters, and drop/distribution centers on top of monetary donations eligible for company match.  

(Maui donates essential items)

They have been instrumental in setting up Starlink communications, cooking, packing and dropping off food for evacuees, sorting and distributing donated items and ensuring that much-needed meals are served to those who require assistance, and even opening up their own homes to provide shelter for displaced relatives, friends, and strangers.  Our Maui team even, provided and transported two 'gators' to help with the security efforts at Hawaiian Homes Leialii in Lahaina.

(Maui team transports gators to Lahaina)

But our efforts extend beyond Maui's shores. Our employees statewide, on Molokai and Oahu, have united in support, contributing essential items such as food, baby supplies, towels, blankets, and other necessities. The outpouring of generosity and compassion from our employees highlights the deep bond we share with our Maui ohana and underscores our shared commitment to weather this storm together.  

On Molokai, Bayer employees have not only taken in hundreds of pounds in donated items, but also helped the Molokai community by loading donated items on a container bound for Maui.  

(Molokai teams loading donated items on container)

And on Oahu, over 2,000 pounds of essential items have been gathered through donations which began just a day after the wildfires. The Knights of Columbus required help in collecting hundreds of bags of clothes and essentials from a Honolulu church, and our Oahu teams stepped up to assist, offering their time as well as necessary transport capability. 

(Oahu teams help with gathering essential items)

“Our employees are really energized to see where and how they can fit in and help,” explains Alan.” They’re asking, ‘what else can we do?’ It’s very enlightening to see how people react and engage in times of crisis.” 

In the face of adversity, the resilience of the Maui community shines brightly. As we move forward on the path to recovery, Bayer Hawaii remains steadfast in our commitment to stand by the Maui community. Our hearts are with you, and from the depths of our gratitude, we extend our heartfelt appreciation. “We are so grateful to be a part of the Maui community and we’re doing what we can to help support our colleagues there, our colleagues’ families, the community at large,” shares Monica Ivey, Corporate Relations Lead for Bayer Hawaii. “I am so proud and honored to work for Bayer. This is a tremendous opportunity to support where we can.”  

Follow Bayer Hawaii on Instagram and Facebook to learn more about how we’re supporting those impacted by the fires.  

“We are so grateful to be a part of the Maui community and we’re doing what we can to help support our colleagues there, our colleagues’ families, the community at large. I am so proud and honored to work for Bayer. This is a tremendous opportunity to support where we can.”