Aloha mai kākou,

my name is Zuri and I am raising funds for my Godfather Bongo C., who was severely burned in an accidental fire early Friday morning, 5/12/2023. Bongo is 77 years old, and has been living on his own at the beach in front of Mo‘ikeha since losing his apartment at Līhu‘e Gardens Elderly a few years ago. He is extremely resilient and self-reliant, but surviving exposed to the wind and rain has been very hard on him, and a serious threat to his health. Bongo has had to struggle to remain alert every night to defend himself from thieves and aggressive addicts, and is attacked and stolen from frequently.

To stay warm and to ward off biting gnats, on the night of the incident Bongo had built a small fire adjacent to the entryway of his camp, which he reconstructs each night. At 3 ‘o clock in the morning, Bongo woke up to find the tarp room around him filled with black smoke, and the molten plastic dripping onto him. Someone riding past on a bicycle shouted “Get out of there!” but did not bother to stop and try to help him, or call 911.

Bongo finally found a way to escape the burning room, but it was not until 8:30 AM that a county worker found him and called 911. When he was admitted to Wilcox hospital his temperature was 104.5 F due to the bacteria in the Mo'ikeha canal where he had had to clean the sand from his wounds while waiting for help.

Due to the severity of his injuries Bongo was medevaced from Kaua‘i to Straub Medical Center on O‘ahu. He has survived with 3rd degree burns covering his feet and legs, and 2nd degree burns on other parts of his body. We do not know how long it will be before he is able to walk again, and need help raising funds for his recuperation. Bongo had been saving for a long time to buy a $10,000 van to be able to sleep safely inside of at night, and lost more than $5,000, as well as his clothes and other belongings in the fire.

Bongo is a beloved elder, counselor and teacher. He is generous and compassionate, and has looked out for me all of my life. I’ve Bongo will need help to be able to heal from this terrible event. Anything that can be donated will be deeply appreciated.

If you or anyone you know has an affordable room, cottage, studio, or other living arrangement available in the Kapa‘a area, or reasonably near a bus stop please reach out to me.

Mahalo palena ‘ole for your time and care for my Godfather. It truly means so much.