Deanne Fitzmaurice for NPR
MAUI, Hawaii — Two weeks after a fire caused the destruction of the historical community of Lahaina and also caused destruction to others, most people whose homes have been destroyed have moved into temporary accommodation. Nearly 2400people are staying in hotel rooms. A lot of them stay with relatives and friends in temporary accommodations as they search for long-term housing.
The stepfather of a Lahaina woman has offered his home to her and her husband’s extended families that is comprised of aunts, cousins grandparents, uncles, and a few friends. Sometimes the number of individuals living in the compound (including an apartment, a huge garage, and various other structures) can be up to the number of 87.
In a recent evening there were over a dozen vehicles in the gravel parking space. In the vicinity of the house there are a lot of children are playing.
Following this catastrophe, between 25-30 children are staying in the area and up to 50-60 adults. This is a large number of people. However, Travis Cabanilla Okano, who is present together with his wife and children and other relatives, says it’s actually not all that uncommon.
“This is the way of life here in Hawaii,” he says. “We lived at our cousin’s home. We would sleep together with 20 other people in a tiny room… Being able to let our children and us be in a room like that gives lots of peace for me.”
Many are still reeling from the loss they’ve lived through. When recalling his fire experience, the girlfriend, Haley Miller says the winds that day were whipping in a way she had never ever seen before. In the afternoon, she noticed smoke. Okano took off on a bicycle and headed towards the mountains to see what was happening. Within a couple of hours, Miller says, “We were surrounded by the black smoke and embers.” She then noticed her husband riding his bike and a neighbour returning. “And they’re just like …’C’mon”Let’s go and get out of here. ‘”
They gathered their children and drove off in their vehicle and then were sucked into the middle of a road when tourists and residents scrambled to get away from the raging fire. Miller says that by the time they got to the home of Okano’s parents in a different area of Lahaina the fire had erupted. Miller claims that it was like hearing a string of bombs exploding. “It it was propane tanks exploding,” Miller says. “And the junkyard, all the vehicles as well as gasoline tanks. It was as if every…ten seconds boom, boom, Boom.”
Nikki Hollern, the sister of Okano’s also made a dramatic escape, but got out of Lahaina. She, her companion along with her kids stayed sleeping in the vehicle. The next morning they talked to others in the family and then they reunited in the Walmart car park. Hollern says that her son is the oldest. He normally doesn’t show any emotion. “But when the family came to visit as we do it was a feeling of relief to be able to say hello and be assured that they were all okay.”
Amazingly, everyone from Okano the Hollern extended families escaped in safety. Haley Miller called her mother who lives with her stepfather on the opposite shore of the island. The mother of the girl invited Miller as well as her husband and children for a stay at their home however, Miller claimed she wanted a space for all of the Okano family.
“We’ve gone through the fire with each other. Each of us is homeless. It’s all we carry to offer,” Miller told her mother. About twenty minutes later, Miller says, her mother called her back and told her that everybody was welcome.
In the two weeks following that fire, the huge family as well as the others in the same house are establishing an ebb and flow as they contemplate ways to build their lives. After dark, they meet to talk. With friends, such as Max Louis, they listen to music.
Travis Cabanilla Okano says the generosity of his stepfather’s wife has been a blessing for his entire family. But, he says, “this is not home.” Okano says his family is part of Lahaina an intimate community that has now been scattered. He’s determined to return to his home that was destroyed to see photographs of his property and to begin making plans for the future.
The homes located in Lahaina which includes Okano’s as well as those of the majority of his family members, are located in a region that’s today contaminated. It will require massive work clearing debrisand the soil contaminated prior to rebuilding can begin.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green has said at minimum 9 months of housing will be available for those who were displaced by the blaze. However, Haley Miller says the only housing she’s heard about is for a short-term stay. Her family members are staying in hotels. “They must be out before the 30 day,” she says. “You could be able to simply take a couple of days off to recover and figure out the solution. But, really, where do you go?”
Before the fire Maui was facing a massive house shortage. Travis Cabanilla Okano is hoping that his family can secure a long-term lease. In spite of the obstacles He’s certain that the place the family grew up, and where his family’s home for generations, will come returned. “Lahaina will be victorious in all the challenges,” he says.
“God will guide us to become Lahaina solid.”
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