Help Akane & Jesse's Family After Maui Fires

Hello! My name is Maddi and I'm a close family friend of Akane and Jesse Joseph.

Akane and Jesse have lost their family home up in Kula. The upcountry Maui wildfire that began on August 8, 2023 destroyed the homes built by Akane’s father on their Kulalani property where Akane, her husband, baby and parents have lived for decades. The family has lost everything and is now temporarily displaced.

Given just a few minutes to evacuate, no one in their family had time to gather belongings before fleeing upcountry. They are all thankfully safe and uninjured staying with extended family, but are in desperate need of basics for themselves and their baby while they figure out what to do moving forward.

Akane and her family have all been exceptionally giving and generous members of the Maui island community for as long as I’ve known them.

Akane’s husband, Jesse, currently works as a school counselor at Kalama Intermediate School while Akane has been raising their 18-month old, Indigo, and pursuing a Master’s degree in social work.

Donations will go towards household items, clothing and shower supplies, basic supplies for their baby Indigo, food and kitchenware, and other essentials. Any donations big or small help!

Growing up on Maui, I’ve known Akane and her family since I was in grade school and am hopeful that the community that they have all given so much to over the years will help get them back on their feet in the wake of so much devastation.

Akane and Jesse will be the beneficiaries of all donations received.

Update: Thank you all so much for your generous donations! As the goal of $10,000 has nearly been reached we have updated the amount to $30,000 in order to better support the needs of the family moving forward. We're so incredibly grateful for all your help.