Lāhainā Family devestated by Maui Fires

Aloha kākou -

On August 8th, 2023, a devastating fire storm took our entire downtown Lāhainā area, including many friends and family's homes and businesses. Kapena, Taiteari'i, and I are lucky enough to still have our own home, but my in laws - mother, sister, her husband, and 6 year old child, and elderly grandparents, are not so lucky.

My mother-in-law and grandparents have lost their multigenerational home, which was once a hub for our family to gather for holidays and other special occasions. Since the fire came so quickly, and mass evacuations made it extremely difficult to even leave the area, they lost most everything they own.

My sister-in-law, her husband, and their 6 year old child just moved into their newly built apartment complex less than a year ago. My nephew was supposed to 1st grade the day that the fires started, forcing closures and evacuations. They, too, have lost most of their belongings as well.

As we start to look in the weeks and months to come and what rebuilding looks like, Kapena and I kindly and humbly request any kōkua or donations that anyone may be able to make so that we can help our family to put clothes on their back and start gathering supplies needed.

We are thankful to all be alive and well and thankful to live in a community that will always come together in tragedy.

Mahalo nui loa to everyone that is willing and able to help!

#LāhaināStrong