Following the tragic wildfires that destroyed the town of Lahaina last August, business owners in the community looked for ways to help. Kamaaina Loan, long one of the best sources for aspiring musicians to find instruments, has sold thousands of ʻukulele over the years. ” I cannot replace the homes that were destroyed,” said owner Richard Dan, “but my friends in the pawn industry — here and on the Mainland — can replace a lot of the ʻukulele.”

In partnership with the Hawaii Pawnbrokers Association and the National Pawnbrokers Association, Richard Dan was able to raise funds from across the country to build on his initial donation. Together, the pawnbrokers raised enough for money for 400 Ohana ʻukulele which have been distributed to students in Lahaina. Teachers from the local schools assisted with the distribution at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park shortly before Christmas.