The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association’s Board of Directors approved a measure to provide relief funding to teachers affected by Hurricane Lowell at an emergency board meeting held Thursday evening.
The measure, which passed unanimously, would offer qualifying members who sustained damage to their homes/classrooms up to $500 in relief monies. 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.
Thursday’s measure will extend the recently-established HSTA Hurricane Lala Relief Program to include those affected by Hurricane Lowell. The deadline for application of relief has been extended to Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
Application details
HSTA members who experienced significant losses from Hurricane Lowell may now apply for assistance through the union’s Crises Fund.
To be eligible, applicants must have been HSTA members at the time the storm-related damage occurred. Teachers newly hired during the 2026-2027 school year are exempt from the current membership requirement, provided their HSTA membership enrollment (https://www.hsta.org/join-now/) is received on or before the date the relief application is submitted.
Members may apply for support if they suffered significant damage to their:
- Primary residence
- Classroom or workspace
The deadline for application is Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
Relief assistance is intended to help offset recovery-related expenses following Hurricane Lowell 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.
The relief program is funded through contributions from HSTA and partner organizations committed to supporting educators during times of crisis.
Applications may be submitted here.
The relief program is funded through contributions from HSTA and partner organizations committed to supporting educators during times of crisis.
While this assistance will not fully cover members’ losses, it reflects our union’s commitment to supporting educators and their families as they recover and rebuild.
Distribution of funds will begin in October after the application portal closes on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, and applications are reviewed and processed.
Questions regarding the relief program can be submitted to [email protected].
If you or someone you know would like to support teachers affected by the Hurricane Lowell, contributions to the HSTA Hurricane Lowell Relief Fund are greatly appreciated. Donations of any amount may also be made by check and sent to HSTA. Donated funds will be provided directly to our educator members affected by the storms.
Please make your check payable to HSTA and mail it to: HSTA Attn: Lowell Storm Relief, 1200 Ala Kapuna St., Honolulu, HI 96819.
HSTA is not a 501(c)(3) and any donation is NOT tax-deductible.
Have a crowdfunding effort to rebuild your home or classroom? Let HSTA know so we can spread the word.
If you have a fundraising link, such as DonorsChoose, GoFundMe, Amazon, My Wishlist, Venmo, or Zelle, that you would like to share publicly, let us know!
Go to our Contact page and submit an online form with the following:
- Under Topic, select “Storm relief” from the dropdown menu.
- Include your name, school/workplace, chapter, phone number, and personal email address.
- Under Question, briefly explain your current situation and include your fundraising link.
