As the deadly wildfires continue to sweep through its picturesque landscapes, Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez will donate $100 million to support the wildfire recovery efforts in Maui, Hawaii. 

(Photo : MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Amazon Founder and Executive Chair Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez attend the Vanity Fair 95th Oscars Party at the The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 12, 2023.

Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez Donating $100 Million For Maui Wildfire Recovery

Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez have announced a significant commitment of $100 million for the restoration efforts in Maui after deadly wildfires devastated the island.

According to Bloomberg, Sanchez expressed their grief and sadness regarding the recent events in Maui in an Instagram post. The couple has initiated a dedicated fund not only for the immediate recovery process but also to support the island's resurgence in the years ahead. 

Bezos owns an estate in La Perouse Bay at the southern tip of Maui. This generous contribution reflects their commitment to helping Maui and its community recover from this tragic disaster. In the past year, Bezos acquired a 14-acre estate on La Perouse Bay, estimated to be worth around $78 million.

This bay is located about 20 miles south of the ongoing fires in South Maui. Sanchez expressed deep sorrow over the wildfires, describing the situation as heartbreaking.

"Jeff and I are heartbroken by what's happening in Maui. We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated," Sanchez said in her statement on Instagram.

"The immediate needs are important, and so is the longer term rebuilding that will have to happen - even after much of the attention has subsided. Jeff and I are creating a Maui Fund and are dedicating $100 million to help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years as the continuing needs reveal themselves," she added. 

Also Read: Torch Is Working On Solar-powered Outdoor Sensors as Wildfire Threats Increase

Other Billionaires' Donation

While Oprah Winfrey, the owner of an over 2,000-acre estate on Maui, has also taken proactive steps by distributing pillows and essential supplies, while several other billionaires with homes or land on the island, such as Peter Thiel, renowned singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, and software magnate David Duffield, have maintained a low profile. 

A spokesperson representing Duffield's foundation, primarily devoted to animal causes, told Forbes that they are collaborating with the Maui Humane Society to alleviate the distress faced by companion animals on Maui. 

However, the spokesperson did not disclose the specific donation amount or the nature of the actions being taken. For decades, billionaires have been acquiring land and properties in Hawaii, primarily for use as vacation homes.

This trend has been noticed by locals, who have frequently voiced concerns over the resulting impact on the housing market, with rising prices often attributed to these acquisitions. 

Furthermore, a common criticism leveled at these wealthy individuals is a perceived lack of meaningful contributions to the state or active involvement within the local community.  A comment on an Instagram post celebrating Oprah Winfrey's contributions said, "Larry Ellison, Mark @zuck, where you at!"

Although Ellison and Zuckerberg don't possess property on Maui, they each own extensive acreage in other Hawaiian islands, namely Lanai and Kauai, respectively. 

However, Priscilla Chan, co-CEO of the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative and spouse of Meta's founder, publicly shared on Facebook that the couple made a significant, undisclosed donation to the Hawaii Community Foundation. 

Maui Wildfires 

The historic town of Lahaina on Maui is grappling with the alarming and swift spread of wildfires, resulting in a tragic loss of lives. At least 67 had been confirmed dead. 

According to The New York Times, officials fear this number may tragically increase as approximately 1,000 individuals remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue teams continue combing through the wreckage. 

President Joe Biden has issued a federal disaster declaration for the island, granting access to vital federal funds to support recovery endeavors. 

As the situation unfolds, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made federal disaster assistance available to the state. The agency also proactively seeks viable solutions for short-term housing in Lahaina. 

FEMA advised those affected by the wildfires to apply for assistance by visiting the Disaster Assistance website or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

Related Article: Cal Fire Uses AI to Detect Wildfires Without the Need for Human Eyes