My name is Stephanie Ichinose and I am seeking help for my loved ones who have just experienced a tragedy. When the recent storms hit Maui, my mom Carrie and her husband Tom experienced something no family ever expects to face. A normally small or dry stream near their home swelled into a powerful flood during the storm. By 6:30 pm, the rushing water had eroded the land and felled all the trees right up to their lanai. They evacuated, taking their most precious items and their cats. By morning, the floodwaters had swelled so severely that it undercut their property and half of their home had collapsed and was washed away. By the end of the day, the rest of the home and the garage was lost as well.

Because their home was not located in a designated flood zone, they did not carry flood insurance. What was once their safe and comfortable home, designed and built lovingly by Tom himself, is now a memory, and half their property has been ripped away.

Right now, Carrie and Tom, both around 80 years old, are currently sleeping on air mattresses inside a storage container with their cats while they try to figure out what comes next. Losing so much so suddenly has been overwhelming and they are doing their best to get through this incredibly difficult time with support from their caring neighbors and community.

We are asking for any support you may be able to give to help them begin the long process of recovery. Donations will go toward immediate needs such as safe temporary housing, replacing essential belongings, debris removal, and beginning the process of rebuilding their lives.

If you are unable to donate, sharing this page with others would mean just as much. Every bit of support helps during a time like this.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for caring and for helping Carrie and Tom take the first steps toward rebuilding after this devastating loss.