MAUI STRONG: A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER ON THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEADLY WILDFIRES By Sybil Nishioka
[Chronicle, August 22, 2024] On Thursday, August 8, 2024, hundreds gathered at Hanaka’ō'ō Beach Park on West Maui, for a paddle-out to commemorate the lives lost in the horrific wildfires that took place a year ago, but it was also to recognize the resilience of those who survived, and a community that is determined to literally "rise up from the ashes." The paddle-out was the first of several events that took place through the weekend, and concluded with an interfaith service on Sunday at the Lahaina Civic Center. Each event brought together a community that has endured unimaginable suffering, but is finding strength and hope in the support of thousands who continue to reach out, pray, and provide assistance to those affected.
Pictured above from left, Holy Innocent's member Diane Delos Reyes, the steersperson for one of canoes at the paddle-out, waits for their turn to enter the water. In the third photo, Kalani Holokai, the Diocese's Community Relations Administrative Assistant for Maui, comforts a teary-eyed Katy Shroder at the paddle-out.
"It's emotional," said Katy, "it's heartwarming, though, to see everyone a year later gathered together here, and not wandering with empty eyes at the disaster recovery center."
As the worship leader for Holy Innocents, Katy and her husband Bob have been the glue of a congregation that was ripped apart, and has made sure that they can continue to worship together. Through the grace of Honolua United Methodist Church in Napili, Holy Innocents members are able to worship in their building every Sunday. Katy is pictured above right talking with Canon Sandy Graham before the start of Sunday service. Since the fire, Canon Sandy has been flying to Maui regularly to check in with members and lead services when he is there.
Katy is also the President of the Lahaina Sunset Rotary Club, and their organization is supporting the efforts of Soakai Toufa, a member of Honolua United Methodist Church. Soakai (pictured below left) single-handedly constructed a memorial for all those who perished in the fire. Along with individual crosses crafted for each of the victims that run along the highway, he has built a giant "tear" called the Lahaina Tear Drop Memorial, pictured below. This labor of love was officially unveiled on August 7. (Click HERE to view photos that appeared in the Star Advertiser about the memorial's unveiling.)
Members of our own Holy Innocents Episcopal Church that was lost in the fire, are living the nightmarish reality of the nation's deadliest wildfire. Nine lost their homes and one succumbed to the fire. I listened to harrowing stories of escape and the admittedly silly things a person thinks about saving in the midst of disaster. Yet despite being displaced, grieving the loss of a lifetime of memories, dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), and a future in limbo, members I spoke with were incredibly positive, counting their blessings instead of their losses.
"I feel very very lucky" said Ralph Yanagawa, whose little dog named Lucky is with him wherever he goes. "I'm doing fine now. I'm living in Launiupoko with friends of mine, [while] there are people wondering where their next meal [is coming from] or where they're going to be living. They're in much worse shape than I, so I feel very lucky."
Diane Delos Reyes shared Ralph's sentiments saying she's okay. Both she and her son who lived next door lost their homes and everything in it. A couple of months after the fire, a friend contacted Diane. She had decided to move into the studio of her own home, and insisted that Diane rent the main house. When Diane asked what the rent would be, her friend responded, "What can you afford?" It didn't take long to decide to move.
"It's the biggest most beautiful house I've ever lived in," said Diane gleefully. Ralph also moved into the large home, and both of their insurance plans cover the rent. "I'm so grateful for the people in my life," said Diane.
A year later, some members have moved on to sister churches on Maui after being relocated, and some have returned to the mainland. A solid core of members continue to gather every Sunday at 8:00 AM at Honolua United Methodist Church, and meet afterwards at Starbucks to chat and socialize. Loyal visitors who have worshiped at Holy Innocents have begun returning to Maui, and make sure to attend Sunday service at their temporary home in Napili.
In the months following the fire, Holy Eucharist was done only once a month, with morning prayer offered on other Sundays. Today, supply and guest clergy are filling the gap with most Sundays now offering Communion. They have begun incorporating music into their services, and welcome musicians who would like to help, by pre-recording certain hymns. Interested musicians can email them through this form HERE.
During the final Sunday Interfaith community event in the Lahaina Civic Center, representatives from all of the churches and temples that were lost in the fire were invited to speak and share words of hope and encouragement. Katy Shroder and Canon Sandy Graham spoke on behalf of Holy Innocents Church, sharing a bit about its royal history and deep roots in Lahaina. Katy spoke of the Holy Innocents sign that was spared from the fire, standing where it has always been, and said in closing, "When you see our welcome sign at 561 Front Street, and maybe even some lilies, I hope you smile, because WE, WILL BE BACK!" (Click HERE to read an article about the event in the StarAdvertiser where both Katy and Canon Sandy are quoted.)
A special video about Holy Innocents and some of its members is being prepared for presentation at the Annual Meeting of Convention in October, and will include coverage of the anniversary events and extended interviews. Please continue to keep them, Maui, and all those affected, in your prayers.
