Authored by Laura Nieto
The western slope of the island of Maui, Hawaii, particularly evident in the historic town of Lahaina, continues to recover from the destruction and displacement of devastating wildfires. In the days following the destruction, Southwest launched a robust plan to support our Employees, Customers, and organized relief under the direction of the State of Hawaii. Our support has included adding service each day both on routes across the Pacific and within the state to help move people, pets, and critical supplies; financial assistance and in-kind donation of tickets; shipments of critical items through Southwest Cargo; and transportation of critical workers such as law enforcement officers and firefighters. Our Southwest Employees have put their hearts into action to join these relief efforts.
Southwest has recently partnered with Greater Good Charities, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, and the Maui Humane Society to conduct an emergency airlift on Friday, August 18, of more than 130 shelter cats and dogs in secure carriers and crates in the aircraft cabin of a Boeing 737-800 from Kahului, Maui, to Portland, Ore. Our Crews who worked the flight and Southwest Employees who coordinated the transportation showed their Hearts, and we are grateful for them.
“Our Hearts are with the people of Hawaii and the communities that are affected by the wildfires, and we have many efforts underway across the Company to offer our assistance and support,” said Laura Nieto, Managing Director Corporate Responsibility at Southwest Airlines. “In addition to supporting local and national relief organizations to bring aid to Maui, Southwest and our Employees have put their Hearts into action to join this effort to transport shelter cats and dogs in-cabin to the mainland in hopes of finding forever homes.”
These shelter cats and dogs were already in shelters in Maui, and this transport makes room for the influx of injured and displaced pets that have arrived and will continue to arrive at Maui Humane Society because of the wildfires. Once in Portland, these shelter cats and dogs will find their forever homes.
The aircraft that was used for this transport departed Oakland loaded with emergency pet supplies and hundreds of humanitarian “Good Packs” filled with survival and comfort supplies that include t-shirts, blankets, flashlights, socks, and hygiene kits. Southwest transported these goods to Oakland and Maui using Southwest Cargo.
Greater Good Charities worked with veterinarians on the ground in Maui to ensure the safety and health of the shelter pets boarding the flight. A licensed veterinarian accompanied the flight of shelter pets to Portland and all the cats and dogs will be evaluated and receive any follow-up medical care needed before being put up for adoption.
Again, this partnership is just one of the many ways we continue to support those impacted by the devastating wildfires. Community is more than a place, it’s at the heart of what brings us together. We're committed to supporting the people and communities affected by the wildfires. Together, we can make a difference and support the island’s long-term recovery.
