On September 7th and into the early morning of September 8th, our family in Wainiha, Kauai, was deeply impacted by Hurricane Lowell. The storm brought major flooding to their property, causing significant damage and the loss of many of their personal belongings.

My sister, Kaleo, is a mother and wife raising five children—two teenagers, a preschooler, a baby, and her oldest son, who is currently away at college. Throughout the storm, her husband, who is a firefighter for the Kauai Fire Department, worked tirelessly with his fellow firefighters during the hurricane to help protect and serve the north shore of the Kauai community. While he was out helping those in need, his own family and home were being affected by the storm.

Kaleo was home with the children during the storm, doing everything she could with her teenagers to protect their home and save whatever belongings they could. As the floodwaters continued to rise, however, conditions became too dangerous. Despite their efforts, there was only so much they could do as the flooding worsened.

They are currently still living without electricity and working tirelessly to clean up, repair what they can, and get their family back to some sense of normalcy. We know that many families across Kauai are facing the same challenges, and some are experiencing losses that are even greater. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these storms.

Their oldest son, Keale, has been living away from home for school for a little less than a month. As a young college student who is just beginning this new chapter of his life, we know it is difficult for him to be away while his family is going through this. He has considered coming home to help his family, but we want him to be able to stay focused on his education and continue on the path he has worked hard to begin, knowing that his family is being taken care of back home. Our hope is that we can help ease some of that burden so he doesn’t feel like he has to put his education on hold or come home to help carry the weight of what his family is facing.

We’re simply hoping to help our family get back on their feet during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will help with replacing essential belongings, repairing damage, helping with the needs of a family of seven, and providing some relief as they work through the long road ahead.

Needless to say, the people of Kauai and all the islands affected by both Hurricane Lala and Lowell could all use some aloha right now after back-to-back hurricanes. We know there are so many families and communities hurting, and we recognize that this is bigger than just our own family. Whatever you are able to do, we know the positive impact of that generosity will ripple far beyond just one household and community.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping our family and the many others affected by these storms in your thoughts and prayers means just as much.

Mahalo nui loa for your love, support, and aloha,

The Frank Ohana