Help Eli Sandoval Naeole Recover from a Tragic Accident

Urgent Kōkua For Eli~

Dear Family, one of Kaua'i's most loved kanes/men, Eli Sandoval Naeole, desperately needs our help after a tragic accident.

On October 16th Eli had driven home from his night shift on the north shore of Kaua'i and stopped in front of his mailbox on Kalihiwai Ridge to grab his mail. His car was in “park” and the engine was still running with headlights on as he stood beside his vehicle. We believe the driver of the oncoming vehicle was possibly under the influence of both drugs and alcohol. The driver never hit his brakes and rammed full speed into the front of Eli's car violently hitting him and totaling his car. Eli flew and did a flip in midair before landing broken on the ground. The driver did not want to call 911 until Eli, writhing in pain, had to scream at him to make the call. He eventually did and waited with Eli at the scene along with neighbors who came out to help. The accident is under investigation.

The trauma was extensive. Both of Eli's legs were broken in multiple places: two clean breaks on his right femur, a broken tibia and torn ACL and ligament on his left knee, a fractured pelvis along with suffering a concussion. His body also suffered a lot of road rash with scrapes, cuts, and bruises.

Eli underwent two major surgeries at Wilcox Hospital in the first few days where they implanted a long titanium rod along the length of his right femur and a steel plate on his left tibia break with multiple pins in both legs and knees (see photos). He has yet to begin physical therapy to learn to walk again. He was sent home where his ohana/family are caring for him around the clock. He will need full-time care for quite some time.

Eli's recovery can be long and arduous, but let's all pray for a complete and speedy healing and many miracles along the way.

If you don't know Eli, here are a few words in testament to what a big heart and spirit he has and the tremendous love he has for his culture and community:

Eli grew up on Kaua'i Island. He is a beloved community musician and cultural Kia'i-protector and guardian. Eli is kanaka (Hawaiian) from his mom’s bloodline and Mexican on his dad’s side (RIP) who was from Northern California. Eli's royal Hawaiian ancestral line trace back to Kohala's Waipi'o Valley on Hawaii Island and today the Naeole's live throughout the islands. His bloodline is of the kahuna lineage and included the late Kahuna, Uncle Ed Kaiwi from Anahola, Kaua'i.

Eli has the heart of a warrior and the sensitivity of a healer, artist, and seer. Eli has performed at many cultural events and fundraisers and has worked with indigenous people and elders from around the world, most recently in California where he assisted shamanic elders and medicine men and women from all continents in ceremony at a "Prayers for Global Waters" retreat. He is always in service and has been by the side of many aunties and uncles when they needed support or when they were leaving this realm. He is a dear young man who now urgently needs our help.

Eli will need to be rehabilitated during these tender and challenging times. He will need financial support to pay for medical expenses and physical therapy as well as for living expenses and a new car until he can work again.

We understand that there are so many people who are struggling and in need right now and we have all been called to donate to many GoFundMe campaigns this year. If you feel it in your heart to donate to Eli's recovery to help support and lift some of his burden, it would be so deeply appreciated. No donation is too small and if you are unable to donate please consider sharing with family and friends and on social media.

All prayers and donations are tremendous blessings. We humbly thank you ahead. Mahalo ke Akua, Mahalo Nui Loa, Mahalo with All Our Hearts, Gracias. Eli sends his deep Gratitude and Aloha as well.

Like a thousand stars in the sky, each one contains the Universe. Let's blanket Eli with a billion hōkū and an ocean of Aloha to get him back on his feet again where he will shine brighter than ever. A Mama Ua Noa~!

You are SO LOVED Eli~

*Please share far and wide wherever possible~ every click helps.

**If you prefer you can also send donations directly to his Venmo:

@EliSandoval3