Francis 'Ohana Lahaina Fire Relief

Aloha kakou, my name is Raven and I am the hanai niece of Lisa and John (aka Uncle Manny) Francis who, along with their two kids, lost their home in the Lahaina wildfires on August 8, 2023. This money will go directly to them to help them rebuild their home and lives. Though raised on O'ahu, Uncle John and Aunty Lisa moved to Lahaina over 30 years ago where they raised their two kids, Melissa and Jake, in the tight-knit Wahikuli community. When the fires broke out, much of the Francis family was separated with some of them at work. Aunty Lisa was trying to drive home from work at the Bank of Hawai'i Lahaina branch when the rapidly spreading fire caught up to her forcing her to jump into the ocean, where she spent many hours, to save her life. Jake was working at the Westin Maui leaving Uncle John, Melissa, and their dog Gus to evacuate their home without the two other members of their family.

The Francis 'Ohana have become integral members of the Lahaina community. Many kids raised in Lahaina know Uncle John as their youth basketball and baseball coach. He was a coach in the community for years and worked at Princess Nahi'ena'ena Elementary School. Aunty Lisa has worked for the Bank of Hawai'i both in the Kahana and Lahaina branches for decades. Jake and Melissa both grew up playing sports and played for their alma mater Lahainaluna High School. If you're lucky enough to know this 'ohana personally, you know that you will never leave their company without sore cheeks from smiling and laughing the entire time. They are some of the most genuine and kind-hearted people I know.

Our families were all raised together. We spent many days wreaking havoc in Wahikuli and driving our parents crazy. Though not by blood, the Francis 'ohana is my family. I hope you can find it in your hearts to help these incredible people during this unfathomable time. Anything helps, mahalo nui.