My name is Sylane Souvorivong, and I am a farmer from Waipahu, HI. My farm land in Kunia has been severely affected by the recent 2026 Kona Low Storms. I am not one to ask for help, but the storms have left me at a complete loss; I am still figuring out how I can remedy my situation.

I’ve been a farmer for all my life; it is the only life I know. For the last 4 or so years, I’ve been cultivating my farm land here in Kunia and before that, out in Waianae. I have grown to love this area of the island and give back to my community in any way I can. I take great care of many crops on my land, including okra, opo squash, cherry tomatoes, lemongrass, Chinese parsley, bittermelon, bok choy, Choi sum, and more. With the help of other farmers in my community, I am able to sell my vegetables at farmers markets. Nothing makes me happier than providing for my community.

The recent storms brought great devastation with its heavy rain, high winds, & intense flooding. I know many like me have suffered because of it. I lost all my crops to the storms. My container, where I store my harvests, got flooded, and I was unable to salvage anything. Even when I thought the worst of the weather had passed, it came back three more times, not giving me any time to start to rebuild. Every week, I learn that another storm is coming, and I worry that it will be worse than the last. In the flooding, I also lost my tractor—one of my most important pieces of farming equipment. Still today, the road to get to my farm is so heavily flooded and muddy, it is difficult to get and receive help. Any funds I receive from this fundraiser will go towards immediate & urgent needs that will help keep me safe.

This farm is my livelihood and has been my livelihood for as long as I can remember. Without it, I don’t know how I can work. It will be months again, maybe a year, before I am even able to begin re-planting. I have never experienced damages like this, so I humbly ask for your support in helping me get back on my feet. Anything will help as I navigate this immense loss. I greatly appreciate those taking the time to read my story, and I hope you will share it with others.

Thank you.

This GoFundMe was created by the volunteers from Help Maui Rise for the Storm Kōkua initiative and will directly benefit Sylane Souvorivong and his bank information was added for him to withdraw directly.