Emergency Relief for Marchello ʻOhana of Lahaina

The Lahaina wildfire disaster has severely impacted my dear friend ‘Ihilani and her entire family of 10. I have started this GoFundMe page to DIRECTLY ASSIST THE MARCHELLO FAMILY with the long and challenging recovery ahead.

As a result of the fires, they are currently HOUSELESS with NO SOURCES OF INCOME. They are IN NEED OF YOUR HELP. They are a very kind, loving and humble family. Knowing their circumstances, we have asked their blessing to create this fundraiser to assist. The funds will be used for food, essential supplies, housing and rebuilding their lives.

‘Ihilani and her sister Sarah were able to evacuate in time and were later reunited with their father, Michael. However, they could not locate their other family members for some time as communication systems were down. They were finally able to do so on August 9th, learning that they were safe. We are truly grateful they escaped the rapidly spreading wildfires and evacuated safely. But our hearts are heavy knowing that they LOST THEIR FAMILY HOME in Lahainaluna and a secondary residence in Lahaina, including EVERYTHING INSIDE.

It’s hard to imagine this level of loss; everything is gone, including two of their homes, their truck, all of their clothes and personal belongings, and irreplaceable family photographs, precious heirlooms and furnishings passed down from their late mother and grandmother.

Affected family members:

‘Ihi’s late mother, Judy, was born and raised in Lahaina, and her father, Michael, moved to Maui in 1981. Both parents met and started a family, raising all four kids in Lahaina. All the children went to Lahainalua High School, the oldest school in Hawaiʻi. Their father, Michael, worked in the hotel industry on the island before starting a landscaping business and recently retired due to an ongoing battle with cancer. This year would have been ‘Ihi’s 4th year teaching at Holy Innocents Preschool, which also sadly burned down in the fire. This tragedy also deeply affects her siblings Kainoa, Sarah and Annmarie, along with their partners and children. It is physically, spiritually and financially taxing on all of them. Any aloha you can give to this beautiful family is very much appreciated.

Please continue to pray for the Maui community.