Palm Beach County Hawaiian food, drink event to benefit victims of fires in Maui

Eddie Ritz, Palm Beach Post
Updated ·3 min read

You've seen the images on television and online of the devastation and loss of life that has occurred on Maui due to the recent wildfires, and maybe you're thinking, "How can I help?"

Well, there's a fantastic event happening in Tequesta to give everyone the chance to step up.

The “Kako’o Maui Pint Night” will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 at Tequesta Brewing Company.

The fundraiser, a collaboration between Rockstar Catering and TBC, will feature Hawaiian small plates and snacks, live music and a special beer release crafted just for the occasion.

Rockstar owner Kyle Pintarelli said he and his family live part time on the island of Oahu (about 115 miles west of Maui) and that they'd returned to South Florida about a week before the fires that burned 90 percent of Lahaina on Aug. 8.

He and his family had even done a trip over the summer to Maui and specifically visited Lahaina.

Pintarelli called the town "the Key West of the Pacific" and said that the destruction and loss of life is heartbreaking.

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Working with Rockstar Catering, Tequesta Brewing Company will host “Kako’o Maui Pint Night” on Thursday, Sept. 7. Proceeds will go directly to Maui Food Bank, which is providing relief for victims of the deadly wildfires.
Working with Rockstar Catering, Tequesta Brewing Company will host “Kako’o Maui Pint Night” on Thursday, Sept. 7. Proceeds will go directly to Maui Food Bank, which is providing relief for victims of the deadly wildfires.

TBC owner and brewmaster Fran Andrewlevich said he'd been thinking about Lahaina and the tragedy when good friend Pintarelli reached out to him about putting together a fundraiser.

The pair quickly formulated a plan and got moving.

TBC will be tapping and serving its special craft beer, Onipa'a Maui Ale — a pineapple- and mango-infused IPA — at the event.

Rockstar will be putting on the crazy-good Hawaiian spread that will include Spam musubi, huli huli chicken wonton tacos, togarashi ahi poké bowls and possibly a few more surprises.

Chris Springer will be laying down the soulful sounds.

Chris Springer will perform at the “Kako’o Maui Pint Night,” on Thursday, Sept. 7 at Tequesta Brewing Company. Proceeds from the event will go to the Maui Food Bank, which provides relief for victims of the wildfires that have ravaged the island.
Chris Springer will perform at the “Kako’o Maui Pint Night,” on Thursday, Sept. 7 at Tequesta Brewing Company. Proceeds from the event will go to the Maui Food Bank, which provides relief for victims of the wildfires that have ravaged the island.

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Guests are encouraged to wear their best aloha shirt for the chance to win a TBC gift card.

Don't have a cool Hawaiian shirt? Well, if you're in the market, there will be 50 shirts by Kahala on sale at the event.

These shirts, made by the iconic surfwear company that was founded in 1936, were donated by a local businessman and all the proceeds will go to the relief fund.

All profits from the event will be going to the Maui Food Bank, which has disaster relief program set up specifically for victims of this horrible event.

If you're unable to attend and would like to give, you can visit the Maui Food Bank website or their Instagram at @mauifoodbank or go to Rockstar Catering's Instagram account at @rockstarcatering.

If you're worried about rain or the heat, this event is being held indoors — because it's August and it's South Florida.

“Kako’o Maui Pint Night” for victims of Maui wildfires

The "Kako'o Maui Pint Night" will be held Thursday, Sept. 7 at Tequesta Brewing Company. It will feature a special beer release, Hawaiian small plates and live music with all profits going to the relief efforts for victims of the fires on Maui.
The "Kako'o Maui Pint Night" will be held Thursday, Sept. 7 at Tequesta Brewing Company. It will feature a special beer release, Hawaiian small plates and live music with all profits going to the relief efforts for victims of the fires on Maui.

Where: Tequesta Brewing Company, 287 US 1, Tequesta

When: 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7

Cost: $10 suggested donation

Information: tequestabrewing.com

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He has lived in the West Palm Beach area for more than 30 years and, from mild to wild, will cover noteworthy community happenings. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tequesta Brewing Company raising money for Maui wildfire victims