‘Unimaginable for Hawaii’ Local resident speaks out about wildfires ravaging Maui
Local residents are speaking out about the wildfires that are burning throughout Maui, Hawai’i.
At least 271 structures were damaged or destroyed in the flames. The wildfire tore through the heart of the Hawaiian island, reducing much of a historic town to ash and forcing people to jump into the ocean to flee the flames.
News Channel 3 spoke a couple who have been on the island since the fires broke out on Tuesday.
“The smoke was incredibly strong. The smell, really, mostly right. And it just started happening so rapidly," said Lisa Simon, who is a part-time Maui resident.
Lisa and her husband, Gregg, live just about 25 minutes east of it all.
Being from Southern California, this is not their first time facing ferocious wildfires.
“It kind of took us back to the Woosley Fires in Malibu, because we were definitely in the midst of that," Lisa said. "It was almost a PTSD situation for us that we were just thinking, here it goes again, you know.”
Thankfully, they're safe from the flames for now, but the Simons understand how quick it could spread.
“Having gone through four or so fires in Malibu, we know just how quickly they can move. And this one moved just as fast, if not faster," said Gregg.
The wildfires continue to impact thousands of residents and tourists on the island.
“Unimaginable for Hawaii. It's a big deal," said Indian Wells resident Francis Wong. "The winds from Hurricane Dora are just causing havoc there. And it's overwhelming the infrastructure.”
Wong was born and raised in Hawai’i. He’s developed several hotels throughout the islands, including a Marriott Resort on Maui.
“The Maui Marriott is having issues with trying to feed people because they're not having electricity. And there's spoilage of food," Wong explained.
As a former state senator of Hawai’i, Wong spent years growing the state. He believes the community will be able to build back up.
“The aloha spirit that we have in a way is very, very strong and alive. And I think that, you know, that will play a very big part in the healing process.”
Donate to Kakoo Maui fund
- The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Alakaina Foundation Family, and Kakoo Haleakala will match up to $100,000 in donations for Kakoo Maui.
- Funds will go to families and businesses.
- You can donate here.
Donate to Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund
The Maui Strong Fund will be used to support Maui communities affected by recent fires, including response and recovery efforts.
- Donations can be made on their website.
Donate to Maui Mutual Aid
Maui Mutual Aid is seeking donations to support Maui families, kupuna, people with disabilities, and those with limited or no insurance.
- Donations can be made here.
Donate to the Maui Food Bank
The Maui Food Bank is seeking monetary donations in efforts to feed thousands of displaced residents.
- Donations can be made here.
- The Maui Food Bank is asking the public to limit phone and email inquiries so the organization can focus on emergency relief.
