Support for Aisha and Alisi - Lahaina Wildfire

Aloha Mai Kākou,

My name is Naomi. I am writing this on behalf of my Best Friend Aisha Rabanal, and my God daughter Alisi Filikitonga. Aisha is born and raised on the island of Maui, specifically Lahaina. They lost their first home together due to the Lahaina wildfire, after much hard work and effort to get under their own roof. Seven months of pure bliss, and love was spent in their home... we are heartbroken to have this loss. Things can be replaced, and lives cannot so we are blesed to have Aisha and Alisi safe, but I kindly ask that you take the time to hear our story below..

On Tuesday August 8th 2023, the unimaginable happened to the historic town of Lahaina. There was a fire which originated from the mountain brush area, that rapidly burned and tore through an entire town. On a usual basis, these fires are able to be eliminated and controlled in the brush area— but due to unusual wind due to Hurricane Dora which was south of the state caused the fire spread through the town within a few short hours. There were no warnings, no evacuation notice, no cellular service to warn others…. They knew only to leave by natural impulse, and word of mouth that they needed to leave, and leave as fast as possible.

Aisha was only able to leave lahaina and not return to their residence with the clothes she had on, a debit card, and her phone. Thankfully at this time, Alisi was with her dad in Kahului and was safe from the fire… Unfortunately, Alisi’s kitty named Diamond and bunny named funny, passed away in the home as Aisha could not return to rescue them.

Aisha along with other family were evacuating to the area known as ‘front street’, which ended up being traumatizing overall. There were cars everywhere, people running, and overall mass havoc. The skies were dark, and everyone was unable to make clear decisions due to the nature of the event. At this time, they all went into fight or flight mode and had to do what they needed to do to survive. They were able to successfully flee. As a family they were able to detour and find a way out of Lahaina and the burning area within a safe amount of time…. meaning minutes. The flames were large, and bright orange/red… something that will forever be engraved in their minds. The smoke was vast, and thick and dark…. Something once again that’ll be forever engraved in their minds. We pray that this memory is something that can remembered, but not have detramental effects on everyone involved.

I humbly ask on behalf of Aisha and Alisi for your contribution to help them get back on their feet, to allow aisha to be able to purchase a car as her vehicle burned in the fire, to get a roof over their heads, to allow for various essential items in which are needed to comfortably survive. Aisha and Alisi are currently staying with family in a temporary housing situation, but we would like to find her a permanent solution that is safe, and will allow her to continue to thrive as an individual, and most importantly as a mother.

As I was writing this, a very familiar and inspiring bible verse came to mind that I felt to share. This bible verse has been the true meaning of love, to give with no thought of return, but to also know that abundance follows whoever gives with an open heart.

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” -2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Thank you for considering to support Aisha, and Alisi. God bless you. May blessings return to you ten fold in the way you are blessing them. Anything helps, and if you are unable to contribute to this direct fundraiser I encourage you to donate time at your local shelters, or even consider to donate blood to the Hawaii Blood bank so you may save lives!

I will try my best to update this go fund me page with updates, as the blessings come in. Should you have any questions or concerns in regards to this fundraiser please do not hesitate to contact me anytime via instagram direct message @naomisakamoto.