Help Rebuild Serenity and Massage After Devastating Fire

Help Reopen Serenity and Massage after Devastating Fire

Support Us in Reviving Our Beloved Spa

On Saturday, November 30, 2024, a devastating fire erupted at the Ba-Le restaurant within the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center, causing significant damage. Our spa, Serenity and Massage, situated directly above, endured severe and irreparable destruction. Sandy and I arrived at the scene to discover the floor and the walls in complete ruin. Firefighters confirmed that the fire was triggered by an unattended stove at the Ba-Le restaurant.

Despite our immediate attempts to notify our insurance provider, we were met with disheartening news. Since we were not responsible for the fire, our general liability insurance would not cover the cost of rebuilding and/or replacing damaged property. Initially, we had hoped that Ba-Le’s insurance would provide compensation for our losses; however, a "hold harmless" clause in our original 2009 lease prevented us from receiving any reimbursement. Our insurance company and Ba-Le’s insurance company refuse to provide any type of compensation to help rebuild Serenity or help with the loss of income that we sustained. This hit us and our employees hard as it was during our busiest time of the year. Sandy and I were not only heartbroken by the loss of our company, but by the loss of income to our therapists during the Christmas season.

The situation has been further exacerbated by the lack of cooperation from the property management company of Hawaii Kai Shopping Center. Despite our longstanding history of loyalty and consistent, on-time payments over the past 25 years, the management company has failed to provide us with an alternative space to continue our operations. Furthermore, they continue to demand rent for the premises that were rendered unusable and will not let us out of our lease. We have pleaded our case but have received absolutely no help from our landlords.

Sandy and I have overcome numerous challenges, including Sandy's battle with cancer and the hardships of the COVID shutdowns. However, the recent fire—combined with the insurance company's refusal to provide assistance, and the landlord's lack of support—has placed us in an exceptionally difficult situation. Despite these setbacks, we are unwavering in our determination to not disappoint our loyal clients and our dedicated employees who have supported us through every trial. Our committed team of massage therapists is equally eager to see Serenity reopen, as they truly miss both the spa and the incredible clients they have had the privilege of serving.

This GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise the necessary funds to support Sandy and me in reopening Serenity and Massage, enabling us to resume providing the exceptional services that the Hawaii Kai community values and depends on. After an extensive search, a suitable new location has been secured in Hawaii Kai. The funds will be allocated to rebuilding the spa at the new site, as well as covering the associated costs of starting anew.

Please consider donating to help Sandy and me overcome this devastating setback and revive Serenity and Massage. Each contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to reopening our doors and continuing the legacy of care, relaxation, and wellness we have built over the last 25 years.

Your support means the world to us and will make a significant impact in our journey to rebuild and recover.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Sincerely,

Crystal