Aunty Lita Alibin and Uncle Albert Domingo

Aloha everyone my name is Melissa,

With the well-publicized news of the devastating and deadly wildfires happening all across Maui and especially Lāhainā. With the horrible concoction of hurricane-strength winds and drought conditions contributed to the heartbreaking destruction of the heart of Lāhainā. Many within the community have lost their homes and, unfortunately, their loved ones.

I am so blessed to have the gift of life of many of my relatives and friends.

In particular, my Aunty Lita (my mom’s sister) and Uncle Bert were so very blessed to have made it out of the fires. In a panicked effort to reach safe grounds, they ran and evacuated their home on foot with ONLY the clothes on them. They made their way down the hill of Lahainaluna Road on foot, with the flames and heavy thick smoke surrounding them on both sides. It was only towards the bottom, a very generous couple (to whom there will never be enough words to express how forever grateful my family is to you) let them into their vehicle and led them to safety. After when everything is said and done, my Aunty and uncle will have nothing to go back to; their working place, which also was lost to the fire, but more importantly, a home. The house they called home was home to many other families who rented, most of whom didn’t even know what renters insurance was. So there will be NO ASSISTANCE from insurance whatsoever to help with the cost of temporary housing or the cost of replacing anything.

With a very heavy heart, we humbly come to you and ask for your support in assisting them with the long road ahead of them. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will help ease their inevitable burdens. All donations received will go towards their basic needs, such as securing their temporary housing, undergarments, clothing, living essentials, and possibly any mode of transportation.

It has been a harrowing experience for everyone, and we continue to pray for our community and all of the many others affected. Your gesture of goodwill and support will help ease the navigation of how they will pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.

Our family sincerely and deeply thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are eternally grateful for any support you can give, whether it’s through contributions, sharing on social media, or your continued prayers.

Mahalo for your kokua.