Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP
Words cannot describe the immense trauma the Hawaiian community must be facing amidst the devastating wildfires that have scorched Maui’s historic town of Lahaina. In what is described as, “the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history” (Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, August 10th News conference — https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/10/us/maui-wildfires-hurricane-dora-thursday/index.html), Maui residents are posed with a horrifying reality that there once sacred home, is now scorched graveyard with an irreplaceable loss of life, history, and money for the Island.
This morning the death toll continues to rise, with it now reaching up to at least 55 dead and hundreds evacuated. The number is expected to increase as there are still various search and rescue teams pushing efforts to locate any missing individuals and animals that may have been displaced by the wildfires rapid arrival. There is no power or phone service for thousands of individuals on the island, housing/sheltering for individuals in a long term setting is insufficient, and airlines/hospitals are being flooded with capacities they are struggling to fulfill. As of Thursday, August 10th President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Hawaii Disaster Declaration, with an intent to aid in the recovery of the Maui wildfires and those affected on the island with, “grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster” (White House — August 10th, 2023).
There are estimated to be billions of dollars in losses, with hundreds of structures destroyed including that of the historic Lahaina Courthouse, Pioneer Inn, Baldwin Home, and the 150 year old Banyan Tree. Homes are gone, local businesses are destroyed, and the beautiful nature that once deemed this location as a paradise is now a desolate wasteland where, “The apocalypse was happening’ — May Wedelin-Lee, a 20-year resident of Maui, was at home, just about a block away from the heart of Lahaina, as she watched flames race toward her community Tuesday” (CNN — August 11, 2023).
How To Help — (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-help-maui-wildfire-victims-donations/)
Avoid non-essential travel to the island of Maui.
Donating to the American Red Cross — https://www.redcross.org/ | 1–800-RED-CROSS (800–733–2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Donating to The Hawai’i Community Foundation-https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong, donorservices@hcf-hawaii.org or (808) 566–5560.D
Donating to the Maui United Way- https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief
Donating to the Maui Food Bank– https://mauifoodbank.org/donate/
Spreading Awareness and Maintaining Awareness- Posting on social media, through websites, having conversations with friends and family, watching-supporting-listening to locals who are showcasing their experiences online by engaging with their content through reposts-likes-comments, and reading/watching the news to keep up-to-date on breaking coverage.
The love for the Hawaiian Islands is among so many of us. It is not just a place to visit — it is a land full of life, history, culture, and people who have shown the world what it means to lead with the ‘spirit of aloha’ — even despite the worlds unfair treatment towards the land and its inhabitants. We have to be there for them right now, they are in need of the worlds help — and it is our time to listen and provide assistance to Maui and those affected by these horrific wildfires.
“Today, Hawaiian culture may hold many of the answers sought in a rapidly changing world. The spirit of aloha — being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life — teaches us lessons of peace, kindness, compassion and responsibility to future generations.” (Hawaiian Culture & History)
Below are several photos/videos of the real experiences taking place on the Island of Maui, Hawaii as a result of these wildfires.
Other Reference – https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-08-10/maui-wildfires-paradise-in-hell-as-flames-destroy-lahaina-tourist-hotspot-ll5ojopt#xj4y7vzkg