Survivors share about life after losing loved ones in Maui fire last August

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) - Two days before the anniversary of the Maui wildfires, survivors share how they are coping after losing loved ones in the inferno.

“The anniversary of the fires really snuck up on us,” said Jared Kahaialii.

Kahaialii lost his employee Maria Victoria Recolizado, 51.

She died in the fire in Lahaina with her husband Eugene and their 11-year-old son Justin.

“I would never wish that kind of an outcome on anyone,” Kahaialii said.

Her loved ones are still trying to process the life-changing loss.

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“I can only hope that there is an afterlife, and I hope that you’re flourishing there, peace and happiness with your husband and your son, and I hope that you can see that we all miss you very much here, and we hope that you’re watching over us, and we still feel your spirit and your presence.”

Recolizado worked in various positions at the Westin Maui Resort and Spa for nearly 30 years.

“She just had that sweet personality that you don’t really find too often in other work environments,” said Kahaialii. “Out of in my career of working in hospitality, I’ve never met someone like her before … she was truly one of a kind.”

She was affectionately known as “Vicky.”

Those her knew her best said she was fun to be around, and she loved to dance.

“She’s very happy-go-lucky, but she knew how to get the work done, and she knew how to make you laugh,” said Kahaialii. “That is one of the things I miss the most about her is that she was able to work hard, but she would be able to turn around and just make you smile.”

The Recolizado ohana are among the 102 lives lost in the firestorm last August.

Also, among one of the youngest victims is Keyiro Fuentes,14.

His older brother says their lives are shattered.

“The memories, they will never, ever stop flowing,” said Josue Garcia Vargas.

Josue and his parents went to work that morning. Keyiro stayed home.

Now, Josue lives with immense guilt.

“I apologize. I should have stayed home. He did not deserve to go out that way. But we got to be strong. But it’s going to be hard,” Josue said.

Josue said he and his family are relying on their faith to help them through this unimaginable suffering.

“We find strength in God,” he said.

“Thank everybody … the county leaders, the local leaders, everybody who showed us the love of Maui, thank you guys all.”

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