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Akane and Jesse have lost their family home up in Kula. The upcountry Maui wildfire that began on August 8, 2023 destroyed the homes built by Akane’s father on their Kulalani property where Akane, her husband, baby and parents have lived for decades. The family has lost everything and is now temporarily displaced.

Given just a few minutes to evacuate, no one in their family had time to gather belongings before fleeing upcountry. They are all thankfully safe and uninjured staying with extended family, but are in desperate need of basics for themselves and their baby while they figure out what to do moving forward. Akane and her family have all been exceptionally giving and generous members of the Maui island community for as long as I’ve known them.

Akane’s husband, Jesse, currently works as a school counselor at Kalama Intermediate School while Akane has been raising their 18-month old, Indigo, and pursuing a Master’s degree in social work.