Aloha y'all, it's Ian.

The news cycle turns so quickly, but Hawaii is still reeling from two back to back hurricanes and will be recovering for a long time. The second of the two, Hurricane Lowell, a category 5 hurricane, made landfall on Kauai on September 8th and devastated the island. For several days, the entire island was without power and WiFi, while the roads were being cleared of debris using heavy machinery. Many people’s lives were turned upside down with loss, including mine.

With winds up to 125mph, Hurricane Lowell destroyed my home entirely. The roof was ripped off, walls were torn down and I lost most of my possessions. I am lucky enough to be alive and to have sheltered elsewhere safely. Losing many items with sentimental value like art and gift from loved ones is honestly very hard, but I am trying to keep a positive attitude about what I can rebuild. However, I now face the daunting task of rebuilding my home from scratch.

The cost of yurt parts are covered, but much still needs to be replaced. With the goal of raising a baseline of $5000, any amount of donations would be appreciated to help me afford to replace: furniture, housewares, electronics, building supplies (out here on the island, this can run up a few thousand dollars), as well as accommodations for my dog Najee and I, while I rebuild.

Finally, there’s so much need on the island beyond media coverage, especially on the mainland. Please consider checking out this website of mutual aid initiatives and relief all over Hawaii. If you’ve ever felt the aloha spirit, enjoyed time on the islands and are looking for more ways to help, please consider giving directly to these families to help them get back on their feet as well.

I appreciate all the support and everyone who has reached out! It's been more meaningful to me than you know.

Much love,

BigDirty

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Note: Out of transparency and because GoFundMe requires it, I am Milagros Verendia (Mica, as many of you might know me as), Ian's partner. I am running his GoFundMe fundraiser, while he focuses on rebuilding his home. Donations will go through my bank account first, as Hawaiian Federal Credit Unions unfortunately do not have the same capacity and expediency of mainland banks, and will zelle the funds to Ian, so he can purchase the aforementioned items to rebuild his home.

Thank you all, your kindness and generosity means so much.