Help Vohn Lahaina Wildfire Victim

Aloha my name is Kilohoku Akahi. I am fundraising for a very close family friend Vohn Yamaguchi who is my brothers best friend. Vohn is currently staying with my brother them in Haiku and he is safe. He like many others lost his family home due to the Lahaina wildfire. This was a generational home located on Lower Lahaina Luna Road. Vohn is safe and we are so thankful for that.

I wanted to share his story because it puts into perspective what Lahaina had gone thru. The true terror and havoc it caused is unimaginable. Maybe his story will help you to understand it.

Vohn had just gotten home from work, He knew there was a fire but he didn’t know how close it was. A warning was sent to his phone and by the time he got the alert the fire was already very near. I know a lot of people didn't receive an alert but besides the fact his alert didn't come early enough because by the time he went outside things were on fire already. Vohn and his neighbors stood there trying to see where to go as there was no clear direction in which way was the best route. Vohn looked back and saw that the fire was approaching quickly. The trees were on fire, homes were ablaze, and the black smoke filled the air. He had seconds to decide where to go so he got into his truck and had to drive over a tree on fire. He could not see which direction he was going in. His truck came to an abrupt halt. He had just hit a wall and just missed a gas station. He realized he was stuck in his truck, the doors wouldn't open and the windows wouldn't roll down. He was able to break the window and get out. Regardless of just getting into an accident, he continued to run not knowing what direction he was going. The black smoke consumed his surroundings and he tried to run towards the ocean. At this point, he began to accept that he might not make it out and he may die in the fire. Thankfully a car appeared thru the black smoke and he reached for the door handle and opened it. The man took Vohn to a hotel where the fire wasn't near. He was safe. We are so thankful for that man for allowing Vohn into his vehicle and taking him to safety.

These people only had seconds to decide where to go and what to do. This puts into perspective the actuality of the fire and its victims. There wasn't enough time.

Please consider donating to Vohn he did lose his home and 2 vehicles to the fire. We are thankful for any amount big or small. Let's help him to get back on his feet.