The grand-opening ceremony for the new 20,821-square-foot retail store at 150 Dairy Road came with a blessing, reflections on the island’s history and a focus on the people — including people who work at the store as well as those who shop there — in addition to the presentations of two donations to aid ongoing fire-recovery efforts.

“I didn’t come here because it was the grand opening of a shoe store; I came here today to say, ‘Thank you for all the generosity that has been shared with our community — and not just today, but from the very beginning of the wildfires,'” Bissen told the crowd.

As for the two checks, Skechers announced Friday that it is providing $75,000 more to support fire-recovery efforts with a $50,000 donation to Help Maui Rise and a $25,000 donation to Lahaina Intermediate School through a partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org.

That comes in addition to Skechers having previously committed $250,000 to the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and the company giving thousands of new shoes, apparel, socks and backpacks from its stores in Hawai’i and distribution center in California to organizations such as FEMA after the fires.

Michael Greenberg, Mayor Bissen, Lahaina Intermediate School and students. Brittney Baker Photography courtesy of Skechers

“These are not just donations, they’re not just footwear or any clothing,” Bissen said. “What this is, is a sign of us moving forward. This is a sign of us moving together.”

At the grand opening, company president Michael Greenberg thanked the Skechers team while reflecting on the Lahaina fire and some of the Skechers employees who were affected by it. He also took some time to talk about his affinity for Maui and his longtime desire to secure this specific location for a Skechers store.

In talking about the company’s efforts to support the community after the fires, Greenberg said Skechers continued to pay its team from the Lahaina store from August 2023 to the end of the year despite the store’s closure, and he said the employees from the original Lahaina store location have now joined on at the new Kahului store.

“And today we are thrilled to welcome them all back, every employee,” Greenberg said. “This new store represents more than just a retail location. It’s an investment in the community. We deeply believe it.”

And then he announced Skechers is giving a $50,000 donation to help Help Maui Rise, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing direct aid to families displaced by the Maui wildfires. The organization says that with zero operational expenses and optimized processing options, it can ensure 98.8% of every donation goes to the families in need.

Michael Greenberg, Mayor Bissen, Lahaina Intermediate School. Brittney Baker Photography courtesy of Skechers

“Thank you so much for your donation,” said Kenna Reed, one of the organization’s founders. “Hawai’i is in a very fragile place right now, and anytime somebody comes into this community it’s so important that they come in with an attitude that is not purely extractive and that they give back. We just need more of that and to keep taking care of each other.”

AdoptAClassroom.org is a national nonprofit that funds PreK-12 teachers and schools across the U.S. to help equip more classrooms and students for success while offsetting the financial burden on teachers.

School representatives said that with Skechers’ donation, teachers at the school will each get $500 to purchase necessary items for their students.

“Our middle schoolers are at such a pivotal stage, facing unique challenges as they grow, and after last year’s devastating wildfire, their resilience and courage inspire us all,” Lahaina Intermediate School Principal Stacy Bookland said in a statement. “This donation brings us one step closer to a sense of normalcy and recovery, providing hope and opportunity for our students as we work together to rebuild and strengthen our school community.”

Skechers Dairy Road store opening. Brittney Baker Photography courtesy of Skechers

Skechers Staff with Help Maui Rise. Brittney Baker Photography courtesy of Skechers

Skechers Staff with Help Maui Rise. Brittney Baker Photography courtesy of Skechers

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen speaks during the grand-opening ceremony for the new Skechers store at 150 Dairy Road in Kahului on Friday. In his remarks, Bissen thanked Skechers for more than $325,000 in donations following the August 2023 fire. Eli Pace/The Maui News

Standing beside company and local officials, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen (left) assists as Skechers President Michael Greenberg cuts the ribbon on the new Skechers store at 150 Dairy Road in Kahului on Friday. Eli Pace/The Maui News

Customers look over the merchandise inside the new Skechers store at 150 Dairy Road in Kahului during a grand-opening ceremony on Friday. Eli Pace/The Maui News