Zoom Call Steven Nickens Life on Maui Post Fires
The Zoom call this week was presented by Steven Nickens, a Maui resident and fellow ActiveRainer,
He gave a pure statement of the reactions and life on the island of Maui following the devastation caused by the fires that have torn through parts of the island and have left people scrambling for assistance.
He spoke briefly of the opportunists, such as the politicians that are there for a quick head shot but so far have done nothing to offer aid for the citizens and inhabitants that have been impacted.
First responders did what was expected of them. 16 firefighters were fighting fires while their own homes were burning.
Private boat owners have been up front about delivering supplies to West Maui and even with their efforts, are being subjected to abuse by 'so called' experts claiming the relief should come through organized sources.
For the first week, no government officials have even ventured to the acted West side of the island.
With no electricity, food, dead bodies still visible and yet no one stepping up.
He spoke of the presidential photo opportunity at which none of the people that have been in the trenches were included and how quickly he flew away,
FEMA and the Red Cross showed up and started to halt the work being done by local charities and people and has been more negative than a positive. He spoke of these organizations halting unloading of food and supplies that were sent over from Oahu.
There are relief workers setting up fronts for distribution. Financial people are also there to help with people that cannot pay rent or mortgage.
At the same time, there is a halt to any real estate sales on the island so that the opportunists cannot come in to take advantage of residents who have lost their homes in the fires.
All over the area people are trying to help as best they can.
While the fires were still active his daughter was called on to help with the rescue of horses from a farm in the path. They were successful in relocating 16 horses.
He spoke of people unloading boats using any type of means possible, while still not having the assistance of either the National Guard or US service people, which is surprising considering the military presence is so strong on neighboring Oahu.
He made a quick comment on the impact of the FEMA aid of $700/per person sent and associated it to a couple of trips to Costco. Of course, that was dependent on people getting the mail at all considering so much has been destroyed and so many services are unavailable in areas.
He also spoke of the way people are correctly cautious of FEMA as they can essentially lose everything if FEMA determines the house to be uninhabitable and condemns the property.
For the residents of the island, he referred to them as family as it is such a tight knit community and so many people know each other.
Steven Nickens spoke of the Tradewinds that are common on the west side and how they typically can reach 50 mph, which is when the surfers seek out the big waves.
The winds that caused all this destruction were higher than 70 mph, and people are still trying to identify the source of the ignite that caused all the havoc.
With all the finger pointing and dodging of blame, the people are still there trying to get on with their lives and move forward as best they can.
The hotels on the island that are in service are offering places for people to stay while the government tries to set a course.
The impact so far is comparable to the Covid shut down. Businesses in the resort areas are currently closed but most of that is due to the lack of visitors.
While some areas are closed due to the fires, other areas are still actively looking for visitors. Once the roads are cleared and the bulk of the destruction surveyed, the vacations will be getting promoted as well.
The fall in Maui is a beautiful time of year.
The airports are open for international flights as well as direct flights from the Mainland. The recovery of the island will be accelerated not only by the thoughtfulness of others but by the people that keep their vacations and come to the island.
Maui is not closed for vacation, just doing a little recovery in some areas.
He cited some of the organizations locally that are doing the best to help with the recovery.
Couple of links that are safe to give to.
Calvary Chapel Maui works directly with victims of fire
Maui Strong working with Hawaii Life.
There was a lot of interaction with the attendees especially from those that have been to the island in the past.
Steve will most assuredly offer updates on the cleanup on his blog.
Zoom Call Steven Nickens Life on Maui Post Fires
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