Pray For Maui, Sad Times

By
Real Estate Agent with Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers R(S)54097

Can't Believe Lahaina is Gone.

(Only picture I will post of the fire, so sad what happened to our beloved Lahaina and island)

Words can not describe the destruction, loss of property, and lives that this storm raged on Maui. While Lahaina was burned to the ground, upcountry had its own fires causing damage and burning down homes. 

My daughter has a couple of horses and got the call to help move 16 horses in Kula out of the path of raging fires, winds were blowing 65 mph. So off we went to borrow a truck and trailer and so started the next couple of days getting involved in any way we could help. With the help of others ended up moving 16 horses to safety.

Many of our friend's homes burned down, lots of lives were lost, and they are still counting. But you do see amazing people stepping up to save lives. Maui firefighters, many of our close friends lost their homes but kept on fighting fires and helping people.

I moved to Lahaina when I was 19, you can see the Pioneer Inn, after a morning surf it pancakes and a back rub from our waitress at Pioneer Inn, so many fond memories of Lahaina. Can't wrap my brain around it that it's gone.

Ok, these guys are old family friends and heroes, Jim and Riley Coons. One of their boats and their daughter's home burned down. They own the Trilogy Excursions. All the boats in the harbor burnt up in smoke. I have to add Denver an Owner and son-in-law started recusing people with Riley in the photo off of front street with their boats. Winds were driving up to 70 mph. Their other boats pulled up as close to the reef as they could, then rode smaller boats in to pick up people that choose to swim to safety. They took them to Lanai or Maalaea being everything was closed down. They have been delivering supplies and picking up people that are stranded. So many people stepping up to make a difference.

The next day many of the firemen and people with boats were picking up people and dropping off supplies. The community is pulling together.  I was sitting at home a fellow realtor called me for help with fallen trees, so I threw my chainsaw in my truck and so my day began, picking up supplies at Costco. ended the day at the homeless shelter cooking meals.

Maui is going to be hurting for a while, people are canceling reservations for rentals which I have one. So we are headed into uncharted territory. We just had a part-time rich resident who said he will donate $100 million to Maui. My daughter in San Clemente is working with a group to fill containers to send to Maui with the help of Amazon. My oldest son is raising support by giving supplies and donations. Pray for Maui, It's just mind-blowing what happen to our island.

Couple of links that are safe to give to.

Calvary Chapel Maui works directly with victims of fire

Maui Strong working with Hawaii Life.

Maui Food Bank

 

Aloha Steve

.Steven Nickens RS-54097

Pray For Maui

 

Posted by

 Wailea Realty

Steven C. Nickens RS-54097  GRI ABR

Hawaii Real Estate Brokers

3750 Wailea Alanui, Suite B-16

Wailea, Maui, Hi 96753

Offices in Wailea, Kihei, Paia, and Kapalua

www.nickensmaui.com

Cell: 808-280-2208

Email:nickensmaui@gmail.com

28 Years Selling Maui Real Estate

Comments (46)

Chuck Willman
Chuck Willman - Alpine, UT
NewHouseUtah.com

In the worst of times we often see the best of people. I would never advise destruction as a solution to see what people can do. I am though encouraged by the tales of empathy that you have shared. It will be a long sad rebuild; my condolences for the sadness of so many of your friends. Thank you for sharing this element of the situation- the goodness of people.

Aug 13, 2023 08:19 AM
Steven Nickens

Chuck Willman, Imua- moving ahead. Lots of local support from everyone. 

Aug 13, 2023 05:04 PM
Jim Paulson
Progressive Realty (Boise Idaho) www.Progressive-Realty.info - Boise, ID
Owner,Broker

Wow, that photo reminds me of Scream by Edvard Munch. So sad.

Aug 13, 2023 08:57 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Aloha Steven Nickens,

We are Maui Marriott owners and have our next trip planned for May 2024.  We are devastated and will support the local community with our dollars and prayers.  We have been through 2 Maui earthquakes and Tsunamis and were one of the first groups of island visitors when they reopened after 9/11.

We know and understand how vulnerable Maui is. However, nothing can compare to this devastation.  We are heartbroken but will return to support the community of Ohana.

God bless you and the entire island. 

 

Aug 13, 2023 09:12 AM
Steven Nickens

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® Our Mayor just said Lahaina's side is closed for now but the rest of the island is open. Encourage your friends to support Maui by visiting and supporting our economy.

Aug 13, 2023 05:07 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Steve:

Thank you for sharing this...so glad to hear you and family are OK. The devastation and losses are beyond comprehension. We were in Lahaina last October and it's so painful to see the destruction and realize all that is gone. The road to recovery will be a long one but it's wonderful to hear about so many people stepping up to help those in need so quickly.

Jeff

 

Aug 13, 2023 09:48 AM
Steven Nickens

Jeff Dowler, CRS Really is said to see what happen to Lahaina. Everyone has a connection to Lahaina, just a magical town with so much history. Very sad.

Aug 13, 2023 05:09 PM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

That first photo is gut wrenching. Devastating isn't a strong enough word.

Aug 13, 2023 10:33 AM
Steven Nickens

Beyond your imagination what happen? Lot of people perished

Aug 13, 2023 05:10 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
Relocation to NW AZ with elbow room & more freedom

As others have written, I too cannot imagine the loss experience by these citizens.   Natural disasters are terrible and no one is immune to them. Thank you for your act of courage to rescue the horses and help others.  Prayers continue for all.

Aug 13, 2023 10:35 AM
Steven Nickens

Leanne Smith My daughter and her horse friends, oh and my son did most of the work. This is the worst fire disaster in 10 years in the USA.

Aug 13, 2023 05:12 PM
Leanne Smith

I can believe it being the worst and sadden to read of all the lost loves and damage.

Aug 13, 2023 08:40 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

My heart is heavy for those with loss.  And the community at large.  It's heartbreaking to watch and I have personal experience with a fire loss (stuff not people) and a tornado (again stuff not people).  Bless your daughter for helping get those horses to safety.   Prayers for everyone affected. 

Aug 13, 2023 11:52 AM
Steven Nickens

Tammy Lankford, Mahalo

Aug 13, 2023 05:13 PM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Steven, I'm glad you and your family are okay.  Sorry to hear of the loss of your friends' homes, but grateful they're alive.  My prayers are with you all.   

Aug 13, 2023 01:45 PM
Steven Nickens

Elyse Berman, PA appreciate it.

Aug 13, 2023 05:13 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

My prayers have been with those in Maui that are having to deal with this devastation.

Aug 13, 2023 02:23 PM
Steven Nickens

Brian England thank you Brian appreciate it.

Aug 14, 2023 03:04 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Hi Steve - glad to hear that you and your family are safe!

Aug 13, 2023 08:17 PM
Steven Nickens

Hi Georgie, we are doing well. I know you're pretty safe out in Haiku. All the best to you and your ohana

Aug 14, 2023 03:03 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Thank you Steven Nickens for sharing what it is like, what your area is going through. Maui was so perfect, beautiful, clean on vacation. Thank you also for links on how to help Maui residents and show support. 

Aug 14, 2023 03:36 AM
Steven Nickens

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 encourage people that Maui is still open.

Aug 14, 2023 03:01 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Steven Nickens - I was moved by your words of encouragement from one of your comments above:  

"Lahaina, just a magical town with so much history."

May the magic begin to lift the cloudy smoke and destruction away from your eyes making Hawaiians Proud and Strong. And may the whole world pitch in in one way or another to bring relief to all. 

Aug 14, 2023 03:50 AM
Steven Nickens

Mahalo

Aug 14, 2023 03:00 PM
faye schubert
Retired - Branson, MO
Living the Branson Lake Life

Your first hand knowledge of the area is so important for us to understand the gravity of the situation. 

Americans will unite and help these families and business owners try to put their lives back together. It's a very long road and we all have to be very committed to the effort.

 

Aug 14, 2023 06:05 AM
Steven Nickens

faye schubert thanks for your support appreciate it.  There are so many businesses, churches, firefighters, individuals, etc raising support throughout the island. So randomly my daughter in San Clemente has been raising support in her community. They are flying out medical supplies today with the help of Amazon, just amazing. 

Here are a couple of Maui sites to donate to that are good.

Maui Strong

Maui Food Bank

 

Aug 14, 2023 02:48 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial RE Ft. Lauderdale/Miami/Palm Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

I trust NAR is sending relief to our members right away.  Will Cain, FOX news, is there live supporting his pastor and church and setup a gofundme page for direct delivery of funds.  Steven Nickens glad you and yours are okay.  Perhaps your rental property can house someone who has lost everything.  Check with FEMA for their plan to move residents from shelter to rebuilding and temporary housing.  It will be a long recovery.  

Aug 14, 2023 07:29 AM
Steven Nickens

Eileen Burns its a day at a time. We are all doing what we can.

Aug 14, 2023 02:43 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

It is so surreal that such a vibrant and beautiful community is gone.  It just does not seem possible.  I am sorry the you and your community are going through such a tragedy.  That picture says it all.

Aug 14, 2023 12:18 PM
Steven Nickens

Ray Henson  There saying worst fire disaster in 100 years. But Maui is open according to our Mayor.

Aug 14, 2023 02:41 PM
John Wieland
Exp Realty - Delray Beach, FL
Mr Downtown Delray

Devastated. My memories from a dozen visits to Lahaina are many and vivid, which will not be lost. But I struggle to comprehend the loss of lives and your beautiful place on earth. I'm at a loss for words. Lahaina will rise up again. Sending prayers... 

Aug 14, 2023 02:18 PM
Steven Nickens

Hi John, we are having a hard time wrapping our minds around the loss. Thanks for your support of Maui.

Aug 14, 2023 02:40 PM
Danny Frank
JLA Realty - Pearland, TX
The Pearland Real Estate Expert

Wow. These are sad times indeed. 

Aug 15, 2023 09:07 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

So glad you and your family are well AND that you were able to help so many others. Lynn

Aug 21, 2023 05:45 PM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

As you may know, I have my brokers license in both Hawaii (where I have lived on and off for 26 years) and California (where I have my office in the art colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea).  If you have got connections to Maui artists whose works were destroyed in Lahaina galleries and who want to establish new outlets for their art going forward, I might be able to connect them with galleries here.  Just a thought. 

Aug 23, 2023 11:40 AM
Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

That is such a beautiful place, and the destruction seems like hell. 

Aug 23, 2023 05:24 PM