Oahu commemorations share hope, solidarity with Maui on 1-year fire anniversary
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Honolulu leaders and first responders gathered at Sandy Beach Park today to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the Lahaina fire.
Separated by the Kaiwi channel, but connected through aloha and resilience, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, City Council members and leaders of first responder agencies scattered rose petals and orchids on the ocean in memory of those who died -- a show of solidarity representing hope for Maui.
The solemn ceremony began with a pule by Kumu Mehanaokala Hind about sending love and support from across the islands to Maui, as it heals and rebuilds -- Maui island visible from Oahu’s shore.
That was followed by 102 seconds of silence to honor the 102 lives lost and Amazing Grace played on bagpipes.
“It’s going to be a tough road back. You know, we pray for the strength to be able to do that. We will put everything in our resources to help with that,” said Mayor Blangiardi.
Among the fallen -- Tony Simpson -- a Maui EMT who began his career on Oahu with American Medical Response. He lived in Lahaina and worked on Lanai -- and perished in the fire.
“He was at home that day, taking care of people and trying to save others. And lost his life doing what he loved to do,” said Speedy Bailey, general manager of American Medical Response.
Bailey says Simpson’s death is a reminder of the risks our emergency responders face daily
“How do we take care of our first responders in the aftermath of the disaster?” he said. “Disasters aren’t just the event itself, it’s all the collateral damage and the necessary attention that we have to give moving forward.”
Elsewhere on Oahu, bells were rung 102 times at Central Union Church and at Kaumakapili Church to remember the 102 victims.
Governor Josh Green also ordered flags to be flown at half staff until sunset on Monday, August 12, a solemn reminder of a tragedy that’s affected all of Hawaii.
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