In remembrance of the Maui Wildfires that swept through Lahaina, the Hawaii Red Cross will be presenting stories from residents and volunteers as they were reported during the initial days and weeks of response efforts. Some of these stories originally appeared online, through news coverage or on social media; other stories are being presented for the first time. We hope to treat every story as both a remembrance and a lesson on how best to respond to those in need.

The world saw one of its most beautiful towns and its people suffering from the Maui Wildfires, but for many, they saw the homes of family and friends taken away. Their response, too, was a family affair. Red Cross volunteers called on their loved ones to step up and help their siblings, cousins and neighbors in need. Ka’apuni was one such dedicated responder, with a family as generous as her.

Often, people have a strong desire to help but aren’t sure how best to do that. We invite you to speak to a Red Cross volunteer – they could be a family member, a friend or a neighbor – to see if volunteering connects with you. Learn more at redcross.org/hawaii.

“I had a niece lose her home, my brothers-in-law have all lost their homes. My friends have lost their homes,” said Toni Dacquel, a Maui resident, and American Red Cross Volunteer.

Toni and her sister, Marcy Torres, were asked to become volunteers with the Red Cross by her cousin Ka’apuni Peters-Wong after devastating wildfires destroyed Lahaina, HI. Ka’apuni lives in Oahu but visits Maui often because most of her relatives live there.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Ka’apuni said. “The fire started Tuesday. The next morning after it started, I deployed to help.”

While Marcy and Toni were safe from the fires, they explained their family members did not have time to prepare and bring their belongings with them.

“It happened too quickly,” Marcy said. “The difference between a hurricane and this fire, you have days to prepare for the hurricane, but there was no time to get ready. The devastation is unbelievable. You cannot fathom how much people have lost.”

Toni said she wants to make a difference in the Lahaina community and help everyone who was impacted.

“This is a way that makes sure I can give a little back,” Toni said. “There is such a huge community here where everybody is helping everybody. It just makes you feel better knowing that you are giving back.”

Ka’apuni explained there is a term Hawaiians use called ‘kuleana,’ meaning responsibility.

“I just wanted to be helpful,” Ka’apuni said. “I know what my kuleana is. My responsibility is to this disaster response.”

Both Ka’apuni and Marcy agreed that the community is dedicated to each other and lifting one another up. Together they recounted Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and how Hawaii residents stuck together to support their community and rebuild what was lost.

“They band together – people in Hawaii do that,” Marcy said. “If you survive, then you help somebody else and that’s the way you are brought up. It’s my kuleana to help. If you don’t do that, then who will?”

Marcy described the community as strong and resilient, and that they will rebuild.

“The fire was so quick, but we can’t go back and change the time. It’s going to take time; we just have to go forward, and it will get better,” she said.