Lahaina Fire Relief - Kokua Minister Patty

Aloha! My name is Jo Kapololu, I am creating this donation opportunity for my amazing Momma; who was recently displaced in the Lahaina Fire fiasco. She is currently houseless due to her residence and all her personal belongings being completely burnt to ashes.. like thousands of other Lahaina residents she is beginning the long process of healing.. grieving and rebuilding a life.

Our Lahaina Ohana history begins with my Great-Grandfather, Mitsuzo and Great-Grandmother, Ayako moving from Japan in the early 1900s to work on Maui sugarcane lands. They were able to open a small candy store on Lahainaluna + Front Streets, which became Nagasako General Store in 1952 and the first modern supermarket in Lahaina Shopping Center in 1965. My Grandmother Fujiye along with her siblings; Take and Masao and the next 4 generations to come were all involved in the grocery business. It was my first job at the age of 15; Lahaina has always been my childhood safe place; so much so that upon graduating from high school I moved there from Oahu. My Mother and soon my Brother also moved to Maui. All but two of my Momma's 6 grandchildren were born on Maui; as well as 8 of 11 great-grandchildren; we have so many special memories that will continue to be treasured in our hearts.

Many of the Nagasko clan owned homes in the Wahikuli subdivision; in total 9 family homes are gone due to this tragic event, including my Great-Grandmother's house where my Mom was living. Of course, the most important thing is ALL family members are safe; stuff is stuff - we get it; though we are sad to have lost 100+ years of historic stuff.

Mom is currently staying with my niece's ohana upcountry. She's been on staff at Kings Cathedral since its Maui inception. She wants to continue to minister to her Church group known as the Senior Saints for as long as possible. It took me a couple of weeks to create this post and donation opportunity because I also had to process so much heartache around this devasting loss of the beautiful Lahaina community that I love and cherish.

Momma is 82 years old and we are figuring out our next steps in terms of her future care. She will likely have to leave Maui for some time; it may mean relocation to another island, possibly the 9th island.. lol.. where I currently live. We will keep everyone updated via this platform. MAHALO for any amount you can donate towards her relocation and care. We are strong in our faith; so we believe God has a good plan.

MAUI NO KA OI .. forever and ever! Mahalo and be Blessed. Jo