Lahaina, Maui Starr Family Lost Everything...

UPDATE: A post from Jack Starr...

Jen and I had a good cry today as we looked at photos of our yard and neighborhood…. 18 years together in this home. We absolutely loved our little home. A bike ride down the hill to our beloved Lahaina Town and my amazing workplace of 43 years.

Now all completely wiped out.

It makes no sense!

While we are grieving of our loss, we are then reminded of the many lives that were lost …it just doesn’t seem real.

Then there is the unbelievable unity of our town, Lahaina Strong ❤️ / Thank you is not a strong enough word to the many friends and family that have reached out to help us get back on our feet. Jen & I along with our children and grandchildren are committed to rebuilding our home and supporting our community to rebuild Lahaina.

UPDATE: A post from Jenn D Starr...they have not been able to get to their home, but a neighbor sent them a picture of their property. Please note, the neighbor was at the property a few days after the fires and before they closed it down to residents... A few things were saved...a Buddha, Thinking/Confused Man, Water Bearer, and a Mermaid all were concrete statues on their property. This brought a bit of hope for Jenny, Yet, all are still suffering. So many are still unaccounted for, please continue to keep Maui in your thoughts and prayers. May the Maui community be watched over and may those that are searching find some news about their loved one...As Buddha said "Hope is the one thing that is stronger than fear"

Jenn's Post

“Hope is the one thing that is stronger than fear!”

Buddha

I knew there would be something we could cherish from our home in the rubble.

This is a photo that was taken by our neighbor who went back to the neighborhood a couple of days after the fires. I'm at a loss for words except "I am grateful!"

WE HAVE NOT GONE BACK OURSELVES!

We are waiting for the all clear!

#mauistrong

#lahainastrong

#buddha

#lahaina

UPDATE: For those of you that have donated and are not social media friends with my sister, I wanted to share her first post since this tragedy began four days ago. Again, I am humbled by my friend's generosity and feel so blessed to have every one of you in my life. I love my circle of friends more than words can say.

Jennifer's Post:

Jenn D Starr is with Jack Starr.

1h ·

Hi there, I hope this message finds you surrounded by love and warmth. It's been a while since we last posted on our social media, and I wanted to take a moment to share an update with you all. Due to the challenging circumstances, we're currently in a place with patchy cell reception and no internet access.

First and foremost, Jack and I want to express our deep and heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and support we have received from our dear friends and family, near and far. Words cannot truly capture the immense amount of love and care we have for each and every one of you. You are the very essence of our ohana, and we hold you dearly in our hearts. Please understand that if we haven't been able to reach out to each person individually, it's not a reflection of our appreciation. We are eternally grateful for your concern and support.

We are moved beyond measure by the incredible sense of unity within our community during these heartbreaking times. We have witnessed the remarkable selflessness of our neighbors, who have opened up their homes and offered whatever resources were available, be it water, food, clothing, medicine, or simply a comforting presence. The outpouring of compassion and support has been truly unprecedented, reaffirming the belief in the power of community. We are eternally grateful to be a part of the West Side community.

The loss of life and devastation our town has experienced is indescribable, and our grief will never truly fade.

We are aware that our grief is shared by our community and countless others who have been greatly affected in one way or another.

Our beloved Lahaina town, with its unique charm and irreplaceable community, will forever bear the scars of this tragedy, and our hearts ache at the sight of its destruction. But in the midst of our sorrow, we hold onto hope, praying that Lahaina will rise again, rebuilt with the same enchanting character it has always possessed.

Although we haven't had the opportunity to sift through the remnants of our home, we hold onto a glimmer of hope, wishing to stumble upon a token amidst the rubble that will forever remind us of the memories we cherished within those walls. Our home of seventeen beautiful and unforgettable years may be physically gone, but the loss of our belongings can never steal away the memories we have. When the time is right, we want to build again, to create another haven that will breathe life into our hearts once again.

In the midst of this darkness, we want to extend our collective love, light, and healing energy to each and every one of you. May you find strength to navigate through these trying times, and may love guide your every step.

Jack and Jennifer

#lahainastrong

#lahainatown

#lahainafires

#mauihawaii

#mauistrong

#welovemaui

#ohana

UPDATE: First and foremost I want to thank EVERYONE for your GENEROSITY...I am overwhelmed and they are too. I have decided to increase the amount as Jenny and Jack are desperate. They are such humble people and I know are having a VERY hard time accepting ALL that has happened, and the fact that I am asking for donations. They are givers in life and will be staying on the island to help where they can. Jack will be on the news on NBC so you will be able to see him. To know Jack and Jen is to simply just love them. I again want to thank all of you. Please continue to share and donate if possible and keep your positive thoughts their way. Love to all of you...Theresa

Hi,

This is literally my first time ever putting together a gofundme page. In the past, for years I have read the devastating stories that have crushed my heart and have donated to their causes. Some, I have known and some I have never met. This one is near and dear to my heart. My sister Jennifer Starr and her husband Jack Starr have lived on Maui for over 30 years. Jennifer was an underwater photographer who worked on the Gemini and Jack is a manager at Kimos for over 40 years. They have made a home in Maui, more specifically, Lahaina town. They are pillar community members always helping with varying causes and giving to the community. Jack helps run Kimo's longboard contest every year, and could always be found standing and greeting people from Front Street and welcoming them into Kimos. He has been the everpresent smile that so many of my friends have had the pleasure of meeting as they vacation in Lahaina.

As you I am sure have all read, Lahaina is no longer. Jack and Jennifer have lost their home, absolutely everything as many others have...and Jack has lost his home away from home for the past 40 years. They are grateful and as Jennifer said, "are still so very blessed to be alive, have their health and great friends who have welcomed them into their Ohana." I know there are many in need, and I know I will contribute what I can to those causes, but right now I am so very worried about my family. Things are things, but a home is the center of one's security. They are bare and anything that I can do to help ease their suffering I will do. I am asking my friends, and our family to please come together to support Jennifer and Jack. I wish that I had a magic wand to make this nightmare disappear, and for them, it is just beginning. Jennifer and Jack have not been able to return to their home, but have been told it has been leveled as has Kimos and Front Street. They have been the host and hostess for so many let's please show them some love.