Lahaina Fire Recovery for Kahahane, Fa

Dearest Friends, Family and Community:

My name is Debra Persyn. I've started this "GoFundMe" page to help my family who have lived in Lahaina for generations. Thankfully, our Ohana survived the horrors of this fire but I can not begin to tell you how very confusing and stressful the past week has been. Like most of you who watched the fires unfold, we were heartbroken. We anxiously waited to hear if my 3 Aunties and their large Ohana survived. Praise to the Heavens that they are all ok. Miraculously, Auntie Moamie and Auntie Jeanette's homes survived the fires; however, Auntie Georgette's family home was lost and sadly this is where they were raised as children.

My biological Father's name is Melvin Kahahane (lives in Wailuku, Maui) and he is helping the Ohana with the daily living expenses for now while investigators, FEFA, and the bureaucratic system unravel the next steps in assisting survivors. In Kahului yesterday, people lined up in cars for miles waiting for bottled water. All 19 of the Kahahane family relocated to Kahului with other Kahahane relatives. We are very overwhelmed and have a long road ahead of us but we pray to rebuild Autnie Georgette's home and Old Lahaina Town with much love, support and a lot of luck.

We've decided all funds will be distributed directly to the Aunties through my Father Melvin. Also, I'll be heading to Maui soon to help where needed. I will provide updates, education, and pictures of how things are going when time permits. Any amount of contribution will make a huge difference and is greatly appreciated by us all.

Thank you so very much for reading this message, and for your generosity. May God bless you and please give your family an extra big hug and kiss today. None of us are promised tomorrow so make your day awesome.

Aloha~ The Kahahane Ohana & Persyn Family