Aloha, I'm sure you're all on this page as you know how sweet Nona and her mom are :]. I'm Erika, one of her friends since high school and we went to college at Soka University of America together (gofundme tells me to introduce myself or it wouldn't let me make this fundraiser, hence that previous sentence).

On August 9, 2023, Nona and her mother's lives were changed forever. A wildfire started in their hometown of Lahaina, Maui, and Nona and her mother were forced to evacuate from their home. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66457731; https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/08/10/new-footage-shows-complete-ground-level-look-heartbreaking-devastation-lahaina/).

We are so happy to hear that Nona and her mom are currently safe Northern Maui, and all funds raised from this gofundme will be given to Nona and her mother, Kikumi, to help them get back on their feet.

Many people have reached out to see how they can help. If you aren't able to donate at the moment, that's ok! Nona and her mother I'm sure will appreciate any prayers, positive thoughts, or passing the word along to spread awareness.

Mahalo nui everyone for reading, and stay safe!