Lahaina Strong: Rebuilding Hope After Fire

Aloha,

My name is Blake Ramelb and I'm a local born and raised here in Lahaina, Maui. Lahaina is where my grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins, and loved ones reside. I used to live up Lahainaluna and now live in upper West Maui.

Your contributions will directly impact the lives of those closest to us, helping them take steps toward healing and recovery. The money will help the following families (we will likely keep adding to this list) re-build their homes, Josh Galinato's family, Davis Kneezeman's family, Jake Francis's family, Aldrin Constantino's family, Bryce Baraoidan's family, Kim Yap's family, John Ramo's family, Johnny Ramelb (my grandpa), Ryan Chagas and Mirasol Ramelb (my aunty who lost her store on Front Street), Korlleen Puou family, Raphael Redondo Imperial Jr, DeAndre Takahashi, Courtney Lazo and Naomi Tsuda. Your support means the world to our community and the individuals who have faced unimaginable hardship.

Our beloved community of Lahaina has been struck by an unprecedented tragedy, and the devastation is beyond words. As I write this, I am filled with a heavy heart, knowing that the town we hold dear has suffered immeasurable losses. We stand united as Lahaina Strong, determined to rebuild the lives that have been shattered by the recent fires.

Thousands of families and friends have been left with nothing but the shirts on their backs, stripped of their homes, belongings, and even loved ones.

In the midst of this despair, we're reaching out to you, our global 'ohana, with the hope of restoring what has been lost. I kindly urge you to spread the word, perhaps even send a tweet to Elon Musk, as we strive to bring attention to our dire need for resources like Starlink and solar panels. These technologies are essential for restoring electricity and communication – lifelines that will help us begin the arduous journey of rebuilding.

Lahaina is not just a town; it's a repository of history, culture, and memories. It was once the capital of Hawaii, and its legacy is now threatened by the ashes of this calamity. Countless homes, businesses, and precious mementos have been reduced to rubble. The school where I, along with many others, grew up attending classes, is now a charred memory. The future is uncertain, and even the estimated timeline for restoring power varies from a month to three months – a testament to the magnitude of the destruction.

Your generous donations will directly support the families and friends who have been directly impacted by this catastrophe. Every contribution will help them start anew, as they rebuild their lives, piece by piece. Many of our fellow Lahaina residents have lost everything, and as businesses have crumbled, the means to earn an income have vanished.

For those who may need shelter during this trying time, I want you to know that I reside on the northern west side of Maui, and I have extra space to offer. We are here for one another, bound by the spirit of aloha that defines our community.

Let us join hands across the miles, showing that compassion knows no bounds. Together, we can bring back the light to Lahaina and restore hope to our Ohana who have lost so much. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a profound impact on the lives of those grappling with this tragedy. As we face the challenges ahead, let us stand strong and resilient, just like the Lahaina we hold in our hearts.

Mahalo nui loa

Blake ramelb