LAHAINA, Hawaii — There was a break apart of families. The loss has rocked a neighborhood to its core. The old town of Lahaina was completely destroyed by fire and smoke that swept down from the hills, killing over a hundred people and leaving scores more missing. In spite of widespread destruction and despair, the enduring ohana spirit of the Hawaiian people remains.
The Hawaiian concept of ohana, which can be translated as “family,” “belonging,” “community,” and “solace in a time of calamity,” is more than just a word. It’s a unifying idea in a world where everything seems to be falling apart. And in recent weeks, as disaster has struck, the phrase has taken on greater significance in a region pleading for aid. Dustin Kaleiopu, whose family history in Maui goes back to the days of Hawaiian monarchy, says that during difficult times “ohana” (family) bonds only grow stronger.
Native Hawaiians (or kanaka) place a high emphasis on ohana, which includes but is not limited to biological relatives. This is a family-centered way of life. “In a town the size of Lahaina, everybody knows your name. Kaleiopu’s ohana rallied around him after he and his grandfather escaped the flames that had reduced their home to a heap of ash and charred debris. “We’ve all grown up together,” he said. “Everyone knows everybody else. When everything around you is on fire, finding grace and peace can seem impossible. This is the situation in Lahaina when the smoke finally begins to dissipate.
Many more dwellings have been destroyed. There are at least 115 verified deaths. More over a hundred Lahaina locals are still missing; they are members of many ohanas: parents, children, spouses, siblings, friends, and neighbors. “The fire has forced the relocation of a large number of families. So, we’re going to do anything we can to help out the locals. According to Kapali Keahi, whose family has been on Maui for generations, “our community is the ohana” in this sense. Those who lost everything in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century continue to rely on the kindness of friends, neighbors, and complete strangers in the days and weeks that have passed since the tragedy. From other islands in the state, notably Honolulu’s home island of Oahu, regular shipments of food, clothing, and supplies continue to arrive.
Many evacuated families have set up online fundraising campaigns, which have brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars from all around the world. One relief fund has raised almost $1.2 million thanks to the contributions of 6,400 people from every continent. Lahaina has suffered major damage. Kekai Keahi, a second Lahaina local, said those who were left behind were in a state of severe despair. However, one constant remained: a thread of connection.
News from enegxinews
