Matson Provides Aid in Wake of Mawar

As a company quite familiar with providing disaster assistance, Matson was prepared and mobilized swiftly when Super Typhoon Mawar touched down in Guam on May 24.

The Maunawili, originally scheduled to arrive on May 23, sheltered a safe distance away and was the first vessel to enter the harbor once the all-clear was given on May 28, carrying 454 containers of general goods. Manukai, the first vessel to deliver relief supplies, arrived as scheduled on June 6.

The strongest typhoon to hit the territory since 2002, Mawar brought 150 mph winds and more than two feet of rain, flooding Guam’s international airport and numerous residential areas.

Teaming up with the American Red Cross and FEMA, Matson is helping to facilitate shipments of relief supplies to Guam for recovery in the coming months. Matson is also working with community organizations in Hawaii that are leading Guam relief efforts, providing transportation of donated goods. Matson contributed the use of several 20’ containers to GWA (Guam Water Authority) for community water distribution.

Our Government team worked closely with FEMA to provide water and generator trailers, bringing much-needed power to the region. Matson also carried two fueling vehicles on behalf of the United States Post Office, each carrying 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel, to run generators so the Guam post office could remain open.

“We’ve sent water and flatracks of roofing panels from Hawaii and moved four large generator trailers from Tracy, Calif., which were loaded to Kaimana Hila the week of June 5,” said John Lemieux, director, strategic accounts, Matson Logistics. “Much of the damage is focused on electrical infrastructure, downed powerlines, etc. What generators were held locally at the FEMA distribution center in Guam were rushed out to address local needs. The big generators we shipped will supplement higher-need facilities in Guam.”

In true Matson fashion, our ohana personally pitched in to assist. On early flights to Guam, Bernie Valencia, vice president, sales, Hawaii, and Patrick Bulaon, vice president and general manager, Guam/Micronesia (who was off-island on family business when the storm struck) carried extra luggage containing supplies for staff members caring for elderly family members at home. For employees without power and water at home, Matson provided food, water, clothes washers, dryers, and showers at its Guam office. Matson also established  a special matching gift program with the American Red Cross of Hawaii to provide further resources.

While Patrick spent the week leading from offsite, Renee Ibanez, Matson’s marine and vessel operations manager, coordinated Matson’s operations and response in his absence.

Incredibly busy at the time of this writing, Renee shot a quick message reporting that, “The Maunawili was the first vessel to arrive on May 28. The typhoon significantly impacted the port’s resources and equipment, but we worked closely with them to make it happen. It was important to provide our customers with their vital cargo as soon as possible. Our Island and community depend on us to deliver each week.”

“As tragic as it is to experience a direct hit by a Super Typhoon, it inevitably brought out the best in the Matson ohana,” added Patrick Bulaon.

“The Guam team, despite their own personal hardships, jumped into action following the storm’s passage, allowing the Maunawili to be the first vessel to berth and discharge cargo.

“In particular, Renee Ibanez stepped up and led the team as Incident Commander in my absence until I returned to Guam just after the storm.

“The team in Guam wanted me to express their deep appreciation of the support and supplies provided by Matson’s management, the Hawaii team, and countless others in the recovery effort.”