Family of 4 Lose Everything in Lahaina Fire

Hi, My name is Paulele Valdez Lapota. My grandparents, Taniela Lapota, Delta Wailani Pakaki Lapota, my mom, Moli Lapota, and myself lost my childhood home that my grandparents lived at for 30 years. I just graduated Lahainaluna High School and was about to start Creative Media at University of Hawaii Maui College.

Our family has to replace everything we lost. We were only able to leave with the clothes on our back because the fire arrived so soon. The fire was already on us with black smoking us, embers flying on our body, the heat overwhelming us. We have been sleeping in the car the past couple nights. So many in my town lost our homes. We don't have access to housing because there was already a severe shortage of homes in my town. Some of my family members can't go back to work because they lost their workplaces too in the fire.

My grandma was a long time 30 year housekeeper of Lahaina Shores Beach Resort with fond memories of the long time guests she befriended at that hotel. She has limited income due to retirement and may not be able to afford the housing in the town she was raised in and lived all her life. She's one of the few pure Hawaiians that exist in the world.

The funds will be used to replace what we lost in the fire. We lost all our clothes, belongings, furniture, kitchen and bathroom things, even important documents. My grandma lost her car that melted in the fire.

Please, every little bit helps. We are thankful we made it out alive. Praise the Lord.