Aloha! My name is Frank M. Perry, SMSgt, USAF RET. I am the treasurer for the West Maui Veterans Club. I was born and raised on Maui and served 26 years in the US Air Force.

The West Maui Veterans Club is on leased land from the State of Hawaii. The club first opened in 1960 as the American Japanese Association Club (AJA) by Maui veterans of Japanese ancestry, of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. A highly decorated US Army unit during WW2, primarily composed of Nisei (second-generation Japanese-American soldiers). Known for their bravery and combat record, considered by many to be the most decorated unit in military history for its size. Their motto "GO FOR BROKE" reflected their willingness to risk everything to win.

Since 1960 our club has been a place for veterans to meet, share their experiences and to honor our fallen heroes. For the past 65 years, our building has hosted numerous events from birthday, retirement and graduation parties and end-of-life ceremonies. Many people who live in Lahaina have been here and have fond memories of the place.

Thankfully, the club did survive the fire with minimal damage. We have opened the club to the public for use, free of charge, until the end of the year. As of now, a food bank is distributing food three times a week, a karate class also practices here three times a week, and numerous meetings for different organizations meet here. The club is the only surviving meeting place for the community within the fire burn area.

The club is on its original 1960 cesspool system. The state has now installed a sewer line in front of the club to accommodate emergency housing above the club for Maui fire victims. The State of Hawaii has now mandated we hook up to the new sewer line in 60 days or face hefty fines or lose our lease. While we agree with hooking up to the new sewer line for EPA purposes and a cleaner environment, we do not have the funds to do so. I have contacted a few contractors to do the work, with the average bid at $40,000 for the sewer line and about $30,000 for new fencing around the club. We do not have nearly enough to cover the cost.

Many of our members are fire victims themselves, including myself. We humbly ask for your support so we can continue to have a place to meet and continue to offer a place for our community to gather.

We really need help with funding so we can keep The West Maui Veterans Club open for another 65 years. Mahalo nui loa!