Photographer Howard Boots McGhee posted on Facebook a photo showing the wildfire’s destruction in Lahaina: A line of burnt-up cars next to the waterfront.
McGhee is in Seacliff but Ted King, who lost his house in Wahikali and his business, Pacific Jet Sports, in Lahaina, has posted photos on Facebook of the destruction.
McGhee shared posts from the Maui tourism agency Maui Hawaii asking visitors who had planned trips to postpone but not cancel the trip. The reason is Maui business will need support and the majority of the island is still great to visit. Hotel rooms are being cleared to provide space for displaced Lahaina residents.
Owners of AirBnBs and VRBOs are asked to give people refunds, let them change the date of their visit and keep their homes open to the thousands in shelters.
Show that you have Aloha. As for hotels that aren’t giving refunds and not housing the displaced, Maui Hawaii suggests, “Give them hell! Most of these mega-resorts are owned by giant mainland corporations and they don’t feel the Aloha quite the same way we do.”
McGhee also reposted about GoFundMe drives to help individual residents.
“This is our friend Gene, that we personally know,” posted Kelly Saldavia Luizzi.
Here is his story:
“Aloha, my name is Gene Rey Castillo my family has lost our home and business in Lahaina, Maui we were not able to grab too much belongings as our neighborhood was severely burning. We are just asking if anyone would be willing to donate to help us with something little enough to continue to provide for my 8 year old daughter and my wife who is 4 months pregnant. I am self employed who ran a business under Lahaina Underground, my shop did not make it and my business was my only source of income. Please help my family. Anything helps. Thank you again and continue to pray for us and family’s in Lahaina.”
He is hoping to raise $20,000. So far, 199 people have contributed.
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To help, go to https://gofund.me/b42b441c.
Top Photo: Lahaina homeowner and business owner Gene Rey Castillo with his wife who is pregnant and his daughter who is 8.