Zane Schweitzer and the Maui Fires

October 1, 2023By

Since the country's most devasting wildfire leveled Lahaina, the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, killing at least 97 people and leaving thousands without homes, the local surf and paddling community has rallied to meet a wide variety of West Maui's needs. From using jet skis usually seen at big wave breaks like Peahi for shuttling supplies to using their public platforms to locate generators, medical supplies, and housing, some of the biggest names in watersports have been working tirelessly since the fire.

West Maui is the home of waterman and Starboard Athlete Zane Schweitzer and his brother Matty, and you can't go anywhere around the Lahaina area without seeing them - whether it's unloading supplies, attending community meetings or passing on important information via their social media channels.

For the past few weeks, Schweitzer and his Kahakukahi Foundation have been on the beach with their Ocean Academy program, helping children victimized by the fires have some fun in the water and also learn how to be safe. We caught up with Zane at D.T. Fleming Park not too long ago and he filled us in on the program.

Visit the foundation's website to donate to help.

Maui, maui fire, Zane Schweitzer

Lisa Schell

Lisa is managing editor of PaddleMonster.com and is an avid paddler of all the things - including sup, outrigger canoe, and surf ski, though she especially enjoys paddle surfing and downwinding. She is also a part-time outdoor instructor with an emphasis in paddle sports. She is a journalist with more than 30 years experience in print and broadcast journalism and in government communications. She is a six-time Chattajack finisher, racing both sup and OC2. When not paddling, she can be found in her Waikapu, Maui studio painting and making relief prints.