Maui Film Commissioner Tracy Bennett Describes Wildfire Devastation, Calls On Entertainment Community To Help: “Lahaina Is Just Decimated”

Patricia Swinney Kaufman, longtime head of film and television development for New York State, has been named Commissioner of NYC’s Mayor’s Office Of Media and Entertainment.

The Entertainment Community Fund has raised more than $7 million and distributed $4.7 million-plus to more than 2,300 film and TV workers as of Friday during the strikes by the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA. The WGA’s strike began May 2 and SAG-AFTRA’s started July 14.

Facebook earlier this week, the County of Maui wrote: “To clarify, Oprah was able to visit our shelter and we thank her for instructing media journalists and camera crews to remain outside.“We welcome Oprah to continue to uplift our community’s spirit and give her aloha to victims of the tragic disaster.“Her visit inside of the shelter today was truly heartwarming and we appreciate her understanding of our policy of having no camera crews or reporters accompanying dignitaries and celebrities in our emergency shelters.The TV star has reportedly visited one shelter multiple times now, and told Hawaii News Now: “In a week or two, all the cameras will be gone and the rest of the world is going to move on with their lives and we’re all still going to be here trying to figure out what is the best way to rebuild.“I will be here for the longhaul, doing what I can.”Five days ago Winfrey did speak to the BBC from inside a shelter, saying that it was “a little overwhelming” to be there.“But I’m really pleased to have so many people supporting.

Matthew McConaughey and his son Levi are helping those impacted by the deadly wildfires in Maui.

Oprah Winfrey got turned away in Hawaii.

turned Hawaii into “hell.”The ongoing natural disaster is already being called one of the deadliest in the state’s history, and the death toll has risen to 96 as of Monday morning.“You know what this week has taught me is that when you don’t know what to do…you do whatever you can,” the former talk show host said in a video posted to Instagram.“I went to visit one of the big shelters here at the War Memorial [Stadium] and asked people what it is they needed and then went shopping for some things, some, you know, basic things like towels and sheets and shampoo and other necessities.”She continued, “And at some point, I will make a major donation after all of the smoke and ash have settled here and we figure out what the rebuilding is going to look like.”Winfrey, who has multiple properties on the island and has spent more than 15 years living there part-time, admitted that rebuilding “is going to be a long and difficult process.”She shared that she’s met many people, including a man named Julius, at the War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku, which has been converted into a shelter and resource center, as she was handing out supplies and speaking with victims.“I said, ‘Julius, tell me what you need,’ because his legs were covered in bandages where he had to run to escape the fire,” Winfrey said. “And he said to me that he could ‘feel his skin popping’ as he was running.

Oprah Winfrey had been reportedly turned away from visiting a shelter for survivors of the wildfires in Hawaii and Maui officials are clearing up the situation.

Native Hawaiian Jason Momoa is urging people not to travel to Maui amid the devastating wildfires that have left thousands homeless and the area of Lahaina irrevocably changed. "Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now. DO NOT TRAVEL TO MAUI," the "Aquaman" actor implored his followers on his Instagram."Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply," he wrote.

Kevin Federline and his family are safe in Hawaii amid the raging fires on Maui that have claimed the lives of at least 55 and displaced thousands of residents and tourists.

Fleetwood Mac’s Mick Fleetwood has described his heartbreak at losing his restaurant Fleetwood’s On Front Street to the wildfires that have ravaged the island of Maui, Hawaii. Fuelled by a dry summer and strong winds from a passing hurricane, the fire started on Tuesday and raced through Maui, feasting on any structures that lay in its path. Drummer Mick, 76, took to social media to release a statement about the fires and said: “Maui and the Lahaina community have been my home for several decades.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez announced Friday that they will establish a Maui Fund in response to the deadly wildfires that began earlier this week, dedicating $100 million to the cause.

Oprah Winfrey has joined in handing out emergency supplies to citizens of the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez are giving big amid the Maui Wildfires.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez announced Friday that they will establish a Maui Fund in response to the deadly wildfires that began earlier this week, dedicating $100 million to the cause. «Jeff and I are heartbroken by what’s happening in Maui,» Sanchez wrote on Instagram. «We are thinking of all the families that have lost so much and a community that has been left devastated.

Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos and fiancee Lauren Sánchez, vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund, are establishing a $100 million fund to “help Maui get back on its feet now and over the coming years.”

Kevin Federline and his family are safe in Hawaii amid the raging fires on Maui that have claimed the lives of at least 55 and displaced thousands of residents and tourists.A source tells ET that Federline, his two sons — Jayden, 16, and Sean, 17, whom he shares with Britney Spears — and his wife, Victoria, are not physically affected by the wildfires «because they live on one of the neighboring islands, where they moved two weeks ago.» The source added that Federline and his family are settling into their new rental home, «but it has been upsetting and traumatic for them to see all the death and devastation on Maui.»Federline and his family just recently moved to Hawaii. Spears, who is «sad» and «disappointed» by the move, signed off on the children's move back in May.

Lauren Sánchez and her partner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, have pledged to support recovery efforts in Maui, Hawaii. The wildfire, which scorched acres of land and displaced families, has garnered attention from all corners of society, prompting acts of generosity from individuals and organizations alike.Lauren Sánchez, known for her charitable endeavors and commitment to making a positive impact, expressed her deep concern for the affected communities in Maui.The sight of burnt environments and families struggling after the catastrophe deeply affected her, inspiring her to move.

Oprah Winfrey is lending a hand to residents impacted by the devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, offering personal support and donations at a local shelter. In photos and clips shared to social media, Oprah can be seen visiting with people sheltering at the War Memorial Gymnasium in Maui and handing out supplies, including pillows, cots and toiletries. ET has learned that the media mogul — who owns a home on the island — went to the shelter to ask firsthand what items were most needed.

Honolulu, Hawaii native Jason Momoa is stepping up for his birth state.

killed at least 36 people and decimated hundreds of structures – many of them cultural and historical landmarks – on the once-idyllic Hawaiian island. Among the destroyed buildings is the eponymous Lahaina restaurant of British rocker Mick Fleetwood.