Kitaguchi Family Lahaina, Maui Wildfire Relief

Aloha everybody,

My name is Tom Kitaguchi. I am humbly starting this gofundme in hopes that I can aid my family and help them find some sense of security during this devastating time.

On August 8, 2023, a relentless wildfire abruptly swept across historical Lahaina town which left thousands of people displaced without essential resources. My 92 year old mother, Wanda Kitaguchi, was one of the many who lost their home. Left behind was all of her belongings (with the exception of a few essentials/couple pairs of clothes). She evacuated at the last minute alongside my daughter who also left home with close to nothing. It pains me to say that my brother who also resided with them there, Albert Kitaguchi, has still not been located since the night of 8/8.

In efforts to look for my brother, my daughter drove through active fire/power lines/thick black smoke with little visibility on two separate occasions the night of the fire, and watched our home engulfed in flames. I cannot even begin to imagine the horrors our community has seen and experienced throughout this whole ordeal which is still ongoing.

My mother, Wanda Kitaguchi, came to Lahaina from Japan in 1953, alongside my Lahaina born father, James S. Kitaguchi (departed). So many memories, so much blood, sweat, and tears, countless irreplaceable family photo albums and memorabilia, journals upon journals of daily logs that my mom would write every evening, all of her "broke da mouth" recipes she has spent her whole life collecting from different people and places, gone into the ashes and rubble before they even knew it. Beyond the material things, our Wahikuli home held so much more meaning, history, and depth.

I know that no amount of money, tears, or regret could bring back everything that was lost or help heal their pain but I pray I can bring some peace of mind and honor my family well by sharing a small part of their story. Funds earned will go toward providing basic essential items, hotel stay costs, and potentially reestablishing their home in the far future.

We deeply appreciate all the love and support.

Please keep the Kitaguchi family and the rest of the Lahaina community in your thoughts and prayers.