The Resilience of the Akiona Ohana after the Lahaina Wildfire
On August 8th, the Lahaina wildfire tore through the community, leaving nothing but devastation in its wake. For the Akiona Ohana, a family of four, it was the day that changed everything. They lost both their home and their business — the very foundation they had spent years building. The fire raged so quickly that the once-beautiful landscape they called home was gone in an instant, taking with it their sense of safety and stability.
The emotional toll was immediate. The Akiona Ohana found themselves not only displaced but deeply lost. Forced to leave Lahaina and move to Makawao, a town far from the life they had known, they faced an overwhelming sense of uncertainty. Their two children, who had always attended school in Lahaina, were now faced with the heartbreaking reality of not just losing their home, but also their school and everything familiar to them. It was a lot for a family to bear.
In the midst of their struggles, the Akiona Ohana reached out to Catholic Charities Hawaii (CCH), hoping for guidance and support to navigate the immense challenges before them. Catholic Charities Hawaii became a vital resource, offering not only practical assistance but also emotional support during their most difficult days. The organization’s deep commitment to helping families in crisis gave the Akiona Ohana the strength they needed to keep moving forward.
One of the biggest hurdles the family faced was the financial strain of finding a temporary place to live in Makawao. After reaching out to other agencies that were unable to provide assistance, the Akionas were running out of options. CCH stepped in, working tirelessly to connect them with rental assistance programs. The support they received through CCH gave them the stability they desperately needed during such an uncertain time.
The Akiona Ohana’s difficulties didn’t stop with housing. With their business gone and their savings drained, meeting basic needs like food, clothing, and everyday necessities was nearly impossible. CCH continued to stand by them, helping the family secure funding through the Catholic Charities Maui Relief Program. This financial support relieved a massive burden, allowing the family to focus on healing and rebuilding rather than worrying about how to make ends meet.
Perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching challenges was the emotional toll on the Akiona Ohana’s children. Displaced from their home and school, the kids faced the kind of uncertainty and fear that no child should have to experience. CCH recognized this and provided the family with mental health referrals that played a crucial role in helping the children begin to heal. These resources became instrumental in giving the kids the support they needed to return to a sense of normalcy and security.
Through it all, CCH was there, offering unwavering support to the Akiona Ohana. The organization not only helped the family meet their immediate needs but also worked with them to set realistic goals for the future. Step by step, the Akiona Ohana began to rebuild their lives, moving closer to a permanent solution. The journey wasn’t easy, but with the steady support of CCH, they made it through.
When the Akiona Ohana finally returned to Lahaina, reconnecting with their community was essential to their healing. Reuniting with friends, neighbors, and teachers helped restore a sense of belonging and stability for the family. For their children, returning to familiar faces and reconnecting with teachers they had known before the wildfire was a critical part of regaining their sense of security. The support from the Lahaina community became an anchor, providing the emotional strength needed to continue rebuilding their lives.
On the day the Akiona Ohana moved into their new home, a rainbow appeared in the sky, shining brightly over their new beginning. It was a powerful symbol of hope, a reminder that even after the darkest storms, light and possibility would follow.
Today, the Akiona Ohana is settled back in Lahaina, in low-income, affordable housing. Their children have returned to the school they once knew, and the family has found a sense of peace again amidst all they had lost. They are forever grateful for the unwavering support they received from CCH, which made their recovery possible.
The Akiona Ohana’s story is one of immense struggle, but it is also one of incredible strength. Their journey from loss to recovery is a testament to the power of compassion and the importance of community. Thanks to CCH’s dedication and support, the Akiona family now stands stronger than ever, ready to face whatever the future may bring, hand in hand, with renewed hope.
