As its name suggests, Convoy of Hope is bringing hope and life-giving aid to Oʻahu residents impacted by this flooding disaster.
This isn’t the first time the faith-based, global humanitarian organization headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, has provided relief services to Hawaiʻi. Vice President of Public Engagement and National Spokesperson Ethan Forhetz told Aloha State Daily that the nonprofit spent a year helping West Maui recover and rebuild after the Lahaina wildfires in 2023.
“We are blessed to be able to give back to Hawaiʻi and help following yet another disaster there,” Forhetz said. “Every disaster is different, so it is based on the needs at the moment and what we foresee the needs will be.
“Now that the flash flooding has receded in large part, it’s the cleanup, so we will continue to deliver supplies, and our team members will be there as long as there’s a need for them there. We are also ready and willing to respond on other islands, if needed."
Forhetz, a former TV news anchor, joined Convoy of Hope five years ago to “be part of the solution,” he said, adding that so far, it’s been a good fit for him.
He said he was last on Maui in 2021 and has traveled to disaster scenes across the world with the organization, which last year responded to 92 disasters globally.
He added: "But the things that we see, a lot of times we see people on one of the worst days of their lives. They've lost their home, or their loved one. They've lost their livelihoods and it can be a dark time. Then, they're so grateful – they're blown away – by the fact other people know what they're going through and have come so far to help."
Convoy of Hope has partners across the Islands, including local churches, businesses, government and more.
“Every time I get to meet a recipient of what we’re giving out following some sort of disaster, it makes me proud of the work I get to do in this organization with our partners and donors, he continued. “We couldn’t do it by ourselves. It really takes a group working together cooperatively to make a difference in other people’s lives.”
He noted that for this disaster, dozens of volunteers are assisting its “team of specialized disaster volunteers who train and travel.”
The Walmart Foundation made in-kind donations to Convoy of Hope on March 24, following devastating flooding across the Islands. (Courtesy The Walmart Foundation) 
Cleaning supplies were needed after the recent flooding. (Courtesy The Walmart Foundation) 
Convoy of Hope delivered drinking water to hubs on Oʻahu to distribute to residents who were impacted by the floods. (Courtesy The Walmart Foundation)
Forhetz said that Walmart and Home Depot have both been generous with in-kind donations.
“Walmart is committed to its continued support for our associates and the residents of Hawaiʻi,” according to a recent statement from the company. “Through strategic coordination with Convoy of Hope, Feeding America, and other partners on the ground, our local Walmart stores are helping make sure water and essential supplies reach affected areas quickly.”
The Walmart Foundation has also committed $250,000 in grants to Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Lāhui Foundation to support disaster relief and long-term recovery.
Additional items are being shipped, according to Forhetz, and are scheduled to arrive next week.
“I would say the biggest thing we see there on the Islands is this very, very strong culture and community of people wanting to get involved and help their neighbor. They come together to do the work.”
When asked how faith comes into play for Convoy of Hope, Forhetz told Aloha State Daily, “Our faith is the reason we do what we do.”
“We don’t require anybody else to be the same faith to receive help from us, but our faith is what drives us to help our neighbor in need, to see someone without hope and try to give them hope. Weʻre trying to give people hope that tomorrow’s going to be a better day.”
Convoy of Hope is primarily funded by corporations, churches and individuals, he said, adding that “more than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes where the donor wants it to go.”
It is on Forbes' list of America's Top 100 Charities, which cites that the global nonprofit generated $95 million in total revenues in 2024. Besides crisis relief and meal support, its other programs include teaching people agricultural practices and empowering women to generate income.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
