The fire that killed 93 people and destroyed nearly 2,000 homes
On August 8, 2023, a wildfire broke out in the historic town of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. The fire was fueled by strong winds, dry vegetation, and high temperatures. It quickly spread across the island, burning more than 20,000 acres and threatening thousands of residents and tourists.
The fire was the deadliest and most destructive in recent U.S. history, killing at least 93 people and destroying nearly 2,000 residential buildings. Many of the victims were trapped in their homes or cars as the flames engulfed them. Some of them were elderly or disabled, unable to escape the fast-moving fire.
The fire also damaged or destroyed several landmarks and cultural sites, such as the Lahaina Banyan Court Park, the Lahaina Jodo Mission, and the Wo Hing Museum. The fire also affected the wildlife and the environment, killing hundreds of animals and plants, and polluting the air and water.
The challenges of getting food, fuel, and other resources
Five days after the fire started, residents of Lahaina and other affected areas were still struggling to get food, fuel, and other resources. Law enforcement road closures and slow communication from the government made it difficult for people to access the area or get help.
Many residents complained that they did not receive adequate warning or evacuation orders from the authorities. Some said they only learned about the fire from social media or word of mouth. Others said they were confused by conflicting or outdated information from different sources.
Some residents decided to take matters into their own hands, creating their own aid systems and networks. They collected and distributed supplies, such as water, gas, flashlights, batteries, baby food, diapers, and medical items. They also helped each other find shelter, transportation, and emotional support.
One of the residents who organized a supply drop was Marina Sanchez, 28. She and her partner Dustin Akiona, 31, drove through winding roads overlooking the ocean, trying to find a way into Lahaina with their truck full of supplies. They faced a law enforcement roadblock that prevented them from entering the area.
“I can’t believe they’re making it so hard to go and help people,” Akiona said. Sanchez told him they would find a way to get to Lahaina with the supplies. “Even if I have to swim,” she said.
The efforts of saving homes and protecting neighbors
Some residents also risked their lives to save their homes and protect their neighbors from the fire. One of them was Archie Kalepa, 60, a former lifeguard and surfer who lives in a cul-de-sac next to the Lahaina Civic and Recreation Center.
Kalepa was not home when the fire started, but his neighbors knew that if his house caught fire, the others in the tightly packed neighborhood would also burn. They joined firefighters on the front lines to defend his home, using water from a spigot on his property.
One of his neighbors was Shaun “Buge” Saribay, 42. He said he was not sure he would survive the ordeal. He recorded a video on his phone for his family, telling them how much he loved them.
“They held it right to the bitter end, right here,” Kalepa said of his neighbors. They managed to save his main house, but his garden shed behind it was burned down.
On Saturday, just steps away from the fresh pile of rubble, ash, and burned-out cars, volunteers set out stacks of drinks, food, medical supplies, pet food, and toilet paper outside Kalepa’s house. They also offered hugs and prayers to those who needed them.
The hopes for recovery and rebuilding
Despite the challenges and losses they faced, many residents expressed hope for recovery and rebuilding. They said they were grateful for the support and generosity they received from each other and from outside sources.
Some local businesses and organizations offered free or discounted services to those affected by the fire. For example, some hotels offered free rooms or meals to evacuees or firefighters. Some airlines offered free flights or baggage waivers to those who needed to travel. Some banks offered loan deferments or fee waivers to those who had financial difficulties.
Some celebrities and politicians also showed their solidarity and sympathy for those affected by the fire. For example, singer Bruno Mars donated $1 million to relief efforts. President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in Hawaii and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts.
Many residents said they were determined to rebuild their homes and their lives. They said they were proud of their community and their culture. They said they were resilient and strong.
“We’re not going to let this fire take away our spirit,” Sanchez said. “We’re going to rise from the ashes.”
