‘102 angels looking down on us’: Maui marks 1 year since wildfire disaster
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - With the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires this week, the county is holding a series of events to honor the 102 victims and the two who remain missing.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, several state and federal officials held a news conference Thursday morning to mark the anniversary and provide an update on recovery efforts.
Gov. Josh Green, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, Hawaii U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda shared their priorities moving forward.
Green said that healing is top priority and he understands that everyone is still grieving in their own ways.
“There’s 102 angels looking down on us right now,” Tokuda shared during the news conference. “They’re looking down on us, supporting you. They are with us right now.”
To commemorate the solemn day, a four-day event — Kuhinia Maui — takes place August 8 through 11.
It will host an array of community-driven activities in hopes of bringing the people of Maui together to pay tribute and mourn their loss.
“Kuhinia Maui takes its name from a line in a traditional Maui chant that proudly speaks of the unequaled beauty and richness of Maui, highlighting that Maui and its people will rebound from tragedy,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen.
Some highlights on the agenda include musical performances at local schools and civic centers, prayer groups, luncheons and a paddle out off the coast of Lahaina.
“Our community is strongest when we’re able to support each other,” said Bissen. “I’m grateful for those involved who are helping to put together a remarkable number of gatherings that will give our community a chance to be among each other in care and aloha during a week of remembrance.”
Here’s a breakdown of the events:
Thursday, Aug. 8:
- Paddle Out — Hanaka’o’o Beach Park from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Upcountry Aloha Luncheon — Hannibal Tavares (Pukalani) Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Lahaina 1-Year Memorial — Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 9:
- Aloha for Kupuna at the Lahaina Civil Center Gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Puana Aloha no Lahaina (A Concert for Lahaina) at the Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 10
- “Ka Malu ‘Ulu O Lele” — A performance by a Kamehameha Schools Kapalama 5th grade production at H.P. Baldwin High School Auditorium from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Lahaina Obon Festival — Lahaina Cannery Mall from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 11
- Day of Hope & Prayer — Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Upcountry Aloha — Oskie Rice Arena from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on these events, click here.
Maui Wildfires Disaster: One Year Later
Maui County has also set up “The Garden” which is located in the Amphitheatre of the Lahaina Civic Center. They say it’s a space designed for relaxation, mindfulness, hands-on activities, and talk story.
On Hawaii Island, Mayor Mitch Roth is inviting the community to join this Day of Remembrance. This can be done privately or with the community, through prayer, messages to friends and family, or other expressions of aloha.
Through next week, the county is hosting several special initiatives to commemorate the wildfires:
- Atrium Illumination: The County Building Atrium will be illuminated in PINK throughout the week as a symbol of support for those affected by the fires.
- Proclamation and Message Writing: A special proclamation will be displayed in the Mayor’s office, where materials will be available for anyone wishing to write notes of support to the people of Maui.
- Sign of Solidarity: A sign of solidarity will be placed at the County Building at 25 Aupuni Street in Hilo to signify our community’s support for Maui.
Community members are also invited to submit letters, poems, notes of support, or flat paper artwork, which will be collected and sent to Maui. Contributions will be accepted at the Mayor’s office through Thursday, August 15. These sentiments will be packaged and shared with Mayor Bissen’s office on Maui, where they will be displayed in various county buildings and facilities for the Maui community.
Meanwhile, Green has ordered the U.S. and Hawaii state flag be flown at half staff at the capitol and all state offices to honor the 102 lives lost in the wildfires.
The order is in effect from sunrise Thursday morning until next Monday.
Wildfire Events by HNN on Scribd
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