Lahaina, HI – Jan. 11-17, 2026

Eleven hard-working volunteers arrived in the afternoon of Jan 11, seven from Kansas, two from Manitoba, and two from Pennsylvania. 

Four crews began work Monday, January 12.  Two crews worked on the Yadao house, one with blocking and siding, and the other crew began shingling the roof. One crew began the truss building process for the Ho’opai house. The fourth group began installing insulation in the ceiling and walls of the Kahahane house. 

Monday’s work continued into Tuesday. The crew working on the Kahahane house finished installing insulation Wednesday. The Yadao siding and the shingling of the roof were completed Wednesday, also. Other Wednesday work included truss building for the Ho’opai huse, labeling the rafters and block work on the Yodao house. 

Thursday began with a rain shower, but the blocking and cleanup was completed on the Yadao house. One crew began hanging drywall on the ceiling of the Kahahane house; another began building and painting bird blocks for the Asuncion house. Many volunteers continued building trusses for the Ho’opai house.  

All but two of the trusses needed for the Ho’opai house were completed Friday.  Volunteers continued to drill and paint bird blocks and painted plywood for roof soffits on the Asucion house.  The dry wall was hung on part of the ceiling in the Kahahane house and insulation was picked up in Kahului for the Yadao house to use next week. 

Early in the week Kelly, the Volunteer Coordinator, and Brandy, the Construction Manager, for Ho’ola Ia Mauiakama (Long Term Recover Group–LTRB) stopped by to meet the new volunteers. Brandy treated us to Poke (pronounced POH-keh), a traditional Hawaiian dish made with cubed ahi tuna.   

Kelly came back Wednesday morning to guide us to the Na ‘Aikane o Maui Community Foundation where Ke’eaumoku Kapu explained their work to preserve their culture and pass it on to their descendants. Cleaning up after the fire has uncovered cultural artifacts and burial grounds. 

One highlight of the week was the Blessing Ceremony for the new Madrigal home Wednesday. Several groups including Ho’ola Ia Mauiakama and Mennonite Disaster service attended with the Madrigal family.  Rev. John Cewe of the Lahaina United Methodist Church led the blessing. It was quite meaningful to seek God’s protection and blessing; a rainbow was noted in the east and beautiful rays of sun came through the clouds in the west. God’s presence was felt and the family expressed sincere appreciation. Three brothers and their families will be living in the house.  

Another highlight was a quick visit from US Representative Jill Tokuda for Hawaii’s Second Congressional District Friday.    

Weekend activities included snorkeling, hiking, a whale watch, visiting various churches, visiting the Maui Ocen Center, and grilling hamburgers.