You know, I hate doing these type of posts. But the scope of the tragedy is horrific. And, I'm not sure that you know this, but my Mom was born and raised on Maui. She was born in Lahaina and graduated from Lahainaluna High School. My Grandfather, from Fukushima Japan first set foot on American soil in Lahaina. My Grandmother, a picture bride arrived sometime after. They both lived their entire lives on Maui, they never left. They were the last of my maternal side of the family living there.
Just reading about the loss of life and destruction has been heart wrenching. Reading about the Hongwanji that my Mom belonged to and would always tell me about attending the Bon Dances there burning down……looking on the maps and seeing the last apartment my Jichan lived in when my Ba-ba was taken to Kula Sanitarium had burned to the ground. And of course there's the Banyan Tree, a place my Mom would always take me when we visited. I still have photos……from film cameras….some in black and white of me playing around the tree.
Here's a photo from when the Missus and I last visited.
This hits close to home for me.
I don't have family remaining on the Valley Isle, but I've heard from FOY RonR who is ok. And also a couple of other folks I know. Thankfully, they are also fine, if a bit shaken.
As for that Banyan Tree, well at last check it was scorched but still standing. My hopes are that the devastation and destruction is soon totally resolved and that the people of Maui can start rebuilding. I am so sad at the loss of life, even wondering in this day and age how this could have happened so suddenly.
I wasn't sure that I'd be able to express the true heart wrenching sadness I feel and I realize that I am not up to that. So thanks for accommodating the ramblings of an ineloquent, inarticulate, straight talking, Sansei from Hawaii.
I think FOY BarbaraP who contacted me asking about family and such "back home" wrote it best:
Thank you for posting about your connection to Lahaina and Maui. I am saddened by the destruction. Disasters hit islands very hard. I haven’t been to Maui in many years, and was considering a visit in December, but changed my mind (this was a couple of weeks ago).
Blessings dear Kirk! Thank you for sharing.
I’m a longtime reader but first time commenter. I just wanted to let you know that you and people of Maui are in my thoughts during this sad time. I hope they can rebuild soon.
so sad & tragic
So terrible — my family has spent much time on Maui, with many visits to Lahaina. It’s always been our happy place. I echo your sentiments, Kirk — heart-wrenching sadness for the tragic loss of human life and homes and people’s livelihoods. There’s a lot of help headed their way, and I hope West Maui is able to bounce back quickly.
With love and Aloha to you.
Thanks for sharing your connection.
Glad your folks are ok. It’s so heartbreaking. Sending wishes to the strong, caring, and resilience communities there.
As the day passes it just gets more depressing Sandy. I think folks should pass on visiting until the residents are taken care of.
And thanks so much for the thoughtful email Barbara!
The folks of Maui need all the help they can get right now Coriolis. Thanks so much for the wonderful comment!
Even though we haven’t been back in years, my roots are planted there Peter! I’m hoping for the best for the people and the town.
Thanks James! That means a lot!
Very sad and tragic Kat.
Thanks for commenting Soo!
I don’t have ohana left on Maui Si….but I did call my FIL/MIL to make sure they were doing ok.
Coming from a country which has experienced such tragic bushfires, I was shocked at the news from Maui. My deep condolences for these terrible losses of people and place.
Been watching all the news, so terrible
Thanks for sharing and appreciate the perspective on the places that are gone. When watching the news you just see the destruction.
This was such a terrible tragedy Amanda!
Yes, it’s very sad ST.
So many lives lost, so much history Kyle…
I’ve been thinking about you, Kirk. Everything about the wildfires is horrible. It must be heart-wrenching to have such a direct personal connection to Lahaina. I hope the photos help. May the trees re-grow and the homes rise again.
It’s such a terrible tragedy Pam! I do hope that Maui proudly rises again. Thanks for your wonderful comment!
Thanks for sharing your personal connection. When I saw the drone video of the aftermath I was utterly speechless. So much devastation.
It’s so sad and tragic Junichi……
So so tragic and sad! There are no words. Maui holds a special place in my heart. My father retired in Kihei and passed away there many years ago. The people of Maui were so kind to him.
It’s been hard trying to articulate what I feel Julie!