Akiona Ohana - Maui Family in Need

Aloha and thank you for your support. My name is Sarah (Akiona) Howell and I'm raising money for my cousin, Kawehi Akiona, and his family who lost their home as a result of the Maui wildfires.

Unlike many native Hawaiians, myself included, Kawehi has courageously fought to raise his family on the island. Like his parents and grandparents before him, Kawehi has worked multiple jobs in the hospitality industry to afford to give his wife and children a home in this land that he loves.

After a harrowing flight out of town to escape the fires, Kawehi and his wife, Tam, returned to Lahaina to bring water and supplies to others in need. Kawehi is a true kanaka maoli, which means a native Hawaiian not only by blood, but by actions. Someone who, in Kawehi’s terms, “takes care of their ohana and the people around it, sharing what you have, and your knowledge…you know all the good stuff!”

Kawehi is a giver and I am praying he and his family will know that there are other givers in this world that are also living by his definition of kanaka maoli.

Donations will go toward living expenses and a fund to help Kawehi and his family rebuild their own home with the hope that one day, they can own their home outright and not just fractional shares in a multi-generational home.