In Maui, a spirit of pilina strengthens fire recovery

There is deep meaning behind the name of the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group on the island of Maui, Hawaii.

“Hoʻōla means to rejuvenate, to give life,” explained Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, the group’s executive director. “Mauiakama means everyone in the recovery process, and includes the entire island—because everyone came to aid.”

Speaking at the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Annual Celebration, held in New Holland, Pennsylvania, from Feb. 27-28, she expressed appreciation for MDS as one of the faith-based partners that has been instrumental in the island’s recovery from devastating wildfires in August 2023.

One of her favorite moments, she explained, was related to “sticks of wood.” In October 2025—day two for MDS volunteers building their first house in the community of Lahaina—she saw a photo of the house frame.

“I said, ‘I have to stop by this house. I wonder if this photo is real.’”

She arrived to see that, indeed, the house had been framed. And a whole flood of emotions came over her. “It’s because we were waiting for this moment for so long,” she said, and by “we” she meant the many extended families, individuals, responders, and caregivers who are all in long-term recovery together.

In Lahaina, multigenerational houses are very common. “It’s kids, parents, and grandparents,” said Alexander-Monkres.

MDS volunteers are building a home for a multigenerational family of seven. “One day before the fire, they had just completed renovating the home for Grandma, who has Stage 4 cancer, and they needed the home to be ADA accessible,” said Alexander-Monkres. “She slept in the home one night before the fire destroyed it.”

MDS volunteers are also building homes for a 40-year-old veteran on a limited retirement income, who was living in his grandfather’s home, as well as an 80-year-old woman whose husband passed away several years ago, followed by the unexpected death of her 40-year-old daughter.

The Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group will dedicate, on March 6, the first two homes.

Spirit of pilina

The word “pilina,” in Hawaiian, describes relationships. “In Hawaii, it’s important to build relationships with people before you do business. MDS fit right in,” she said. “The unexpected strength of recovery and the learning for us has been our faith partners,” including, in addition to MDS, the local Roman Catholic diocese as well as Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, among many others that have supported recovery efforts in diverse ways.

“Mahalo to each of you: our MDS family, our MDS friends,” concluded Alexander-Monkres. In Hawaiian, the word “mahalo” expresses a spirit of living in thankfulness.

“Your presence matters. We see it. We feel it. We feel surrounded by love with your presence here.”