Maui, no ka oi, which means in Hawaiian, “Maui is the best!” Maui is the second largest Island in the Hawaii Archipelago, home to 165,000 full-time residents. Maui is also facing tremendous loss. Climate change is definitely real and it is coming to a place near you. It is imperative we educate government officials to the deadly and devastating effects caused by our own doing.
What is equally sad is the Maui officials used social media to alert people rather than activating emergency sirens:
The actions or lack of the required response is criminal and at the very least negligent. What were they doing on social media, checking their ʻxʻ feed, instagram, tixtok or Facebook! Not everyone has a smart phone or uses social media. The standard procedure was ignored and because of their dereliction of duty 80 human beings (Fridayʻs body count) are dead with hundreds of people still missing. Who knows how many beloved pets perished.
Cadavers dogs are here and the seemingly impossible search is upon us. According to Maui police chief John Pelletier, "Understand this: Lahaina Town is hallowed, sacred ground right now,"
Here is a link to what Lahaina looks like today, Hawaii News Today. Itʻs hard to watch but necessary for us to understand what can happen due to climate change, and our refusal to give up fossil fuel products including plastic. Perhaps we can make a difference and demand government officials acknowledge and take decisive action to combat climate change. It can happen. But until then Maui needs your kokua, (help)
Here are links to agencies that are trying to help Maui be no ka io. Please help if you can. Your malama (care) is greatly appreciated.
Me ke aloha