We’re Nai’a and Kauahone, and we live in Na‘alehu, Kaʻū. During the hurricane, we were across the street at Pop’s house eating dinner when we suddenly noticed water started coming into the house. Within moments, the water began rushing in, and we knew we needed to get everyone to higher ground. We quickly moved everyone to safety. From there, we could see our home completely engulfed in floodwater. Watching those huge brown waves rush through our neighborhood and straight toward our house is something we will never forget.

When we were finally able to go home hours later to assess the damages, we could see just how high the water had reached. There was a 5–8 foot water line around our home, and inside, there were 4–5 inches of thick, contaminated mud throughout the house. So much of what we owned was damaged, destroyed, or buried. On top of losing so much of our home, we also lost both of our vehicles.

The past week has been overwhelming, but we also want to take a moment to say a HUGE mahalo to everyone who has helped our community. Our ʻohana, friends, neighbors, local businesses, and people from near and far have come together in such an incredible way. So many people have donated food, water, supplies, and other necessities, and we truly appreciate every single person who has given, shared, checked in, or showed up to help.

Because of that incredible support, we have what we need to get through these immediate days. We are so grateful for the generosity and aloha that has surrounded our community.

Now we’re facing what comes after the emergency, along with the next few storms that are predicted to come through.

Our home needs an incredible amount of work before it can feel like home again. We’re also trying to figure out how to move forward after losing both of our vehicles and one of us losing our job.

Naiʻa was raised right here in Kaʻū and has called this community home for his whole life. He now serves as a Fire Equipment Operator with the Hawai’i Fire Department in Ocean View. Kaʻū is the community that raised him, and the people here have always been like family to him. Even while dealing with the damage to our own home, he has returned to work to help our community through the aftermath of the storm and the multiple storms still coming through. Helping others is something he has always done, and we’re grateful he can continue to be there for our community, even while our own home is still not in good condition.

Kauahone was working at Kaʻū Auto Repair & Towing, but the business was also destroyed by the hurricane, leaving her unexpectedly without a job. While Naiʻa is back at work, Kauahone has been doing what she can to manage the cleanup and figure out what comes next.

Giving back and looking out for the people around has always been important to us. We’ve always tried to help where we can, especially when it comes to the kūpuna, keiki, ʻohana, and our community. We never thought we would be in a position where we would have to ask for help ourselves.

But right now, we need help with the bigger picture.

The road to rebuilding is going to be long. Between the damage to our home, losing both vehicles, the loss of Kauahone’s job, and the unexpected expenses that come with starting over, there is a lot ahead of us.

Any support will help us begin putting our lives back together and work toward getting back into a safe, comfortable home. We know this won’t happen overnight, but we’re ready to take it one step at a time.

If you’re able to donate, we truly appreciate you! Every amount, big or small, truly means something to us. And if you’re not in a position to donate, sharing our story, sending a prayer, or simply keeping us in your thoughts means just as much.

We are incredibly grateful for all the love and support that has surrounded us and our community this past week. We’ve seen so much aloha, and it has reminded us that even in the hardest moments, we have so many people standing beside us.

Mahalo nui loa for helping us take the next steps forward!

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