2026-06-25 I Mua Kakou

I MUA KĀKOU: Moving Forward Together on Maui

[June 25, 2026] On Saturday, June 13, 2026, folks were invited to attend a special gathering to discuss the future of Maui, and the role of The Episcopal Church in Lahaina. Called "I Mua Kākou" (moving foward together), the intent was to have a constructive heart-to-heart talk about the mission of the church in West Maui going forward.

"Our gathering on June 13 was a success!" shared the Rev. Deacon Kalani Holokai, the Diocese's Community Relations Coordinator for Maui, who organized the event. "The Holy Spirit was invited and SHE was present! Folks from all four Maui Episcopal Churches were in attendance! It was obvious folks wanted to be there, and gratifying to have 100% attendance, and a few more."

This August will mark the three-year anniversary of the horrific fires that devastated Maui and destroyed the town of Lahaina. While recovery from a disaster of this magnitude has no timeline or precedence to follow, for victims and residents, it has been painfully slow.

For members of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina who lost their homes (and even a life), the loss of their church building has compounded their grief and despair. While the ash and rubble are now gone and homes are being rebuilt, the commercial zone along Front Street where Holy Innocents once stood, has remained largely undeveloped. It is no secret that differing views of what should happen in this area has caused much conflict throughout the community. Shoreline setbacks and other restrictions have further delayed efforts to rebuild in these zones.

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick was unable to attend in person, but recorded a video that was shown at the start of the meeting. In it, he provided guidance and important insight into the impact and decisions that will affect not just Holy Innocents and the churches on Maui, but the entire island community and the Diocese. Since he will be retiring soon, he explained that the decisions going forward will involve Bishop-elect Libby Berman, the Diocesan Council (the "Board" that owns the land), and the Standing Committee who advises the Bishop.

"Bishop Bob laid the foundation and our purpose for the day with his video message, asking us to think about where we are needed, to talk honestly about what is our ministry in Lahaina and West Maui, and even dream," said Kalani.

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Kalani delivered a fascinating presentation about the history of Hawai'i's Anglican/Episcopal roots that went all the way back to the very beginning before the Episcopal Church came into existence. Back then, the Anglican Church held its first service in Hawai'i in October 1862. That service was held in a chapel in Nuʻuanu on Oʻahu. A month later, the first Anglican service on Maui was held in the Hale Aloha meeting house in Lahaina.

With the help of two Holy Innocents church members, they painstakingly tracked down the numerous purchases, grants and trades of the different parcels of land that eventually made up the cemetery, school, the church, vicarage and parish hall of Holy Innocents. Be sure to view the presentation shown here (or downloadble file) for a most informative history lesson!

In a summary for the Trinity By-the-Sea news, Kalani shared the following:
Two community leaders from Lahaina were also present: Keʻeaumoku Kapu, who has been leading the effort to reestablish the Royal Complex, and keeps a ‘watchful eye’ on our church property, and Archie Kalepa, whose non-profit foundation, Lele Aloha, gave a donation to Holy Innocents and 13 other faith communities who were affected by the wildfire to rebuild. They both expressed, independently, their encouragement of The Episcopal Church as part of the foundation and future of the Lahaina and West Maui community.

Our facilitators, Nalani Kealaiki and Kimmie Timson-Brown kept us on task and were great listeners and they’ll be sharing their summary of our collective mana’o (thoughts) with our Rebuild Task Force by the end of July. The summary will then be shared with both Bishop Bob and Bishop-Elect Libby Berman, and more discerning and talking through our next steps in the days and months ahead. Mahalo for all your prayers and all who gathered, E-O!

"The discussion was honest and fruitful and I came away with a sense that people are realistic about what can and can't be done with the property where the sanctuary once stood." ~ The Rev. Moki Hino, Rector of Good Shepherd

“We felt seen and heard, we’re not out here on our own."

“I was able to say what I’ve wanted to say for a long time."

“Very organized, well-planned, the facilitators were amazing."

“It was great to hear the encouragement from Ke’eaumoku and Archie. We just didn’t know how they felt about us."

“It was an honor to participate in such an important conversation…"

Reporting: Sybil Nishioka, Communications Specialist and Editor
Special mahalo to Deacon Kalani Holokai for her in-depth commentary and work in putting this event together.
Photos: The Rev. Moki Hino and Chuck Spence