Lahaina fire relief for my Dad

Aloha, my name is Makanani Kapu I am the youngest daughter of Rodrego "Baye" Balmores. My Dad is one of the many who lost his home from the devastating Lahaina Fire that happened on August 8th. A lot of you know my dad as the guy who wears the most colorful bright neon crazy animal print shirts ever & our uncle's famous fancy pants in Lahaina. My Dad has the most funniest, genuine and caring personality ever, driving around his truck with his BayeB license plate and Pu iN Sai Kauai aS wHy sticker on his back window all throughout Lahaina. You'd find him at his favorite hangout spot everyday at 4pm at the Lahaina smokehouse with Unko Joe & his crew where he'd have his dinner packed to-go & have his 2 Bud lights and enjoy the AC before turning in for the night or with one of his daughters taking him on their crazy adventures around Lahaina town.

Although my Dad was Born on Kaua'i his roots, his foundation of his family , his children (myself, my sisters Yvette & Leianna), son in laws (Preston, Wade & Nick), and his 13 grandchildren (Lauren, Kauila, Kainoa, La'a Kea, Michaelah, Hunter, Kingston, Lexi, Gianna, Chaylee, Noweo, Konane & Ku'ena) are planted here on Maui, in the heart of beautiful Lahaina Front Street.. (if you know you know my dad's spot was the best on Halloween).

Our dad lost everything in the fire. He escaped with the help of his neighbors with less than minutes before the fire jumped from the Wo Hing Chinese temple to his Apartment building with whatever clothes he had on his back and a small bag with some of his favorite shirts and fancy pants. He lost not just material possessions, but he also had lost irreplaceable possessions that I know have deep sentimental meaning to him of his parents, his children/grandchildren, and Kauai family.

It was hard not being able to get in touch with him, to make sure he was safe knowing that Front street was wiped out, hours went by I couldn't sleep and my heart unsettled wondering if my family was safe, until the next day my niece called me crying Aunty we have Papa I was in the middle of Walmart with my daughter & nieces who also lost everything from the Lahaina fire shopping for necessities when my Dad jumped on the phone "Maka it's Dad I stay Okay but I forgot my phone on da bed I gotta go back and get um" OMG I lost it in women's underwear department crying and overjoyed to hear his voice. We immediately finished our shopping and went to see him safe at my sister and brother-in-laws home. He shared his story with weariness in his voice and the concern for our community. I am eternally grateful and thankful to his neighbors who were able to help him escape to Kahului. My brother in law shared "Dad just showed up at my doorstep, he didn't have his phone and didn't know anyones number so he couldn't call any of us"

My dad is one that will not ask for help with anything, but he is a man who will give, even when he has little he always finds a way to pull though. Your monetary donation will go directly to my Dad to help and assist to get him back on his feet with his basic needs, necessities, and to assist while he's currently out of work.

I want to personally Thank each and everyone of our family members and friends who have reached out to check on Dad, he is well and safe with my sister and her ohana. Please continue to Pray for everyone that has been affected from this devastating event. Lahaina will be re-built stronger than ever, Love The Balmores Ohana #Lahainastrong