Two years after wildfires devastated Lahaina and upended the lives of countless families, a quiet but powerful partnership continues to make a difference.

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary and the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System have teamed up to offer consistent, supportive services to the people of West Maui—especially keiki and their families.

Each Tuesday, the Lahaina District Court opens its parking lot and multipurpose room to host the Holoholo Bookmobile and a range of library-led activities, including children’s storytimes, trauma-informed programming, digital literacy classes, and outreach services in collaboration with local organizations. What began as a temporary solution to a logistical challenge has become a trusted partnership that promotes healing and learning in a safe environment.

“Once we heard that Lahaina had lost its public library, we reached out to see how the Judiciary might help,” said State Law Librarian Jenny Silbiger. “Bookmobile Librarian Jessica Gleason and I connected and, with support from Chief Judge Peter Cahill and our Maui court staff, we were able to offer Lahaina District Court as a home away from home for the Holoholo Bookmobile.”

The collaboration is a natural extension of both organizations’ missions. With Lahaina’s library destroyed and many community services disrupted, there was an urgent need for a safe, consistent space where families could access books, information, and support. That space took shape quickly at the courthouse.

“We’ve created a safe, nurturing space that promotes reading and healing. Storytimes have become a beloved weekly routine for families, and our digital literacy classes are especially appreciated by kūpuna,” Gleason said.

“We are pleased we can partner with the library system to provide families in Lahaina a welcoming environment where they have regular access to library services,” added Sandy Kozaki, Chief Court Administrator for the Second Circuit (Maui County).

Since welcoming the bookmobile for the first time in March 2024, the Lahaina District Court site has hosted weekly storytimes and arts and literacy activities in partnership with organizations such as Family Hui Hawaiʻi, Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, and Pacific Counseling Group’s Mālama Nā Keiki program. Through a partnership with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and nonprofit Mapunawai Inc., digital skills training was held in the Lahaina District Court’s multipurpose room using laptops from the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System’s Telehealth @ Your Library! pilot project—a collaboration with the Department of Health and the Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center to expand telehealth access in Hawaiʻi communities.

“This partnership allows us to serve Lahaina residents with dignity and respect. I’m happy that we can contribute as one small part of the public library’s service to the West Maui community,” said Judge Cahill, Chief Judge of the Second Circuit.

Bookmobile staff have taken great care to build relationships and respond flexibly to a shifting landscape of needs. From keiki to kūpuna, the Holoholo Bookmobile is a steady presence in Lahaina’s long recovery.

“Outreach is about meeting people where they are—physically, emotionally, and geographically,” said Gleason. “Being a consistent, caring presence after disaster is one of the most important things library staff can do.”

Since September 2023, the Holoholo Bookmobile has served thousands of West Side residents at locations ranging from temporary housing sites and preschools to civic centers and parks. But the Lahaina District Court site has become a cornerstone.

“We are rebuilding not just physical structures, but the bonds that make our community strong,” Gleason reflected. “Those bonds are the foundation of resilience.”

For Lahaina families, the weekly presence of the Holoholo Bookmobile at the Lahaina District Court represents more than a service. It is a reminder that they are not alone.