Ku’u ‘Ohana ma Lahaina

*** updated Aug 15th, 2023***

You all are amazing! We reached our gofundme goal a few days ago, but will leave it up for more assistance. We had a chance to facetime with Lisa. She & her family are still on her bf’s farm in Ke’anae. While residence can enter Lahaina, they are waiting for word their street has electricity so they can check on their house & begin repairs. Many parts of lahaina still have no electricity & the water is contaminated. Her House is still standing, but damaged. Her bf’s family’s homes who do not live far from her are destroyed burnt. They know so many people who did not make it out alive & choke up when talking about it. We appreciate all the prayers for Hawai’i

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Im writing on behalf of my sister Lisa & her ‘Ohana in Lahaina. Most of you from home (hawai’i) know me by my middle name, Taikan or Tai or from college or work by my 1st name, Phoenix.

My sister & I grew up in Wailuku, Maui (Baldwin bears!) & after high school I lived with grandma in Kane’ohe on O’ahu & Lisa stayed on Maui & worked at the old Lahaina lu’au where she met her life long ‘Ohana.

Over the years I’ve watched my “little sister” grow up to such an incredible woman raising 2 boys, obtaining her master’s degree & I’ll never forget her joy when getting the job as a school counselor at the *Edit* Kam III Elementary School (which is burnt gone) & not Lunas sorry get bad uncle brain**

As you all know it all went up in flames this week, literally. We are all grateful that my little family is still alive in Lahaina, there are many who did not make it and or still missing.

My mom used to work @ the Lahaina cannery Safeway, that entire area, gone.

**** EDIT / Update Aug 10, 2023 ****

Mom said Lisa finally called & their house is damaged but is still standing (so far) They are evacuating trying to grab what they can because they can’t stay there. Things are still burning. And some of them have cars!

Mahalo ke akua!

All the money will be used to help get them back on their feet. Their Monthly bills, essential items, all money donations will help them with this as we try to cope.

mahalo for reading & mahalo for any help you can give friends

***Update Aug 11, 2023***

Mahalo everyone for donating. You have all been SO supportive! I finally got ahold of my sister tonight & her boyfriend’s family(Young) . They are very humbled by the outpouring Aloha from all over the country. Lahaina has no electricity or running water so they evacuated the area & are safe at the Young’s farm in Ke’anae.

If you know my sister, once they got cell signal & saw the gofundme, emotions ran wild. There are SO many people in worst situations than them & they’re SO appreciative for everyone’s Aloha.

We love you all & will never ever forget the kindness you showed.

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