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Families and Religious Leaders in Maui Grapple with Hope and the Harsh Truth of Loss

by Gabriel Martinez
6 comments
fokus keyword Maui

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Even while the heartbreaking count of the dead continues to rise and authorities anticipate finding more bodies in the ruins left by a wildfire that decimated the once-thriving town of Lahaina, families and community members cling to hope.

But many have already faced the excruciating reality that their relatives didn’t survive.

Kika Perez Grant is uncertain about the future of her uncle Franklin Trejos’ remains, who was discovered in a burned car, his body protecting a friend’s pet dog.

“We understand that he was most content out there, so we’re letting his close friends, who have been with him for more than three decades, do what they believe would make him happy,” stated Grant, a Maryland resident with her family.

The exact arrangements for his remains are still undetermined, partly due to confusion about who has possession of them.

So far, over 90 people’s remains have been recovered from crushed homes, scorched vehicles, or streets just steps away from their homes, unable to escape the swift and merciless smoke and flames.

Gov. Josh Green warned residents on Saturday to prepare for more distressing news. He forewarned that this catastrophe could be Hawaii’s most fatal natural disaster ever. Search teams, including cadaver-detecting dogs, are bound to find more bodies within the devastation.

The coming months will be filled with grief, with countless mourners attending funerals to bid their last farewells.

Maui officials have yet to respond to inquiries regarding where the remains are being stored and if the county has the necessary resources to manage the rising death toll.

With only one hospital and three mortuaries, questions arise about temporary storage for the bodies and their release to families.

Pope Francis acknowledged the disaster in his Sunday address, while local faith leaders concentrate on providing spiritual support to those who have lost everything. Some plan to hold services this Sunday.

Rev. Barry Campbell, who fled Lahaina, said, “We’re hoping our church can be a light of hope when the time comes,” adding that community gathering is what people truly need.

Despite the destruction in Lahaina, some churches, like the Lahaina Baptist Church, remain intact, while others suffered damage or were entirely destroyed.

Funeral planning is not immediate, according to the Most Rev. Clarence “Larry” Silva, the Bishop of Honolulu, as Hawaiian tradition often delays funerals.

Currently, faith leaders are contributing to relief efforts, transforming places of worship into shelters, delivering essential supplies, and assisting families in reconnecting with loved ones.

Several churches, including the Church of Latter-day Saints in Maui, have lost members and are providing shelters.

The recovery process will be a long one, emphasized Rev. Jay Haynes, the pastor at Kahului Baptist Church.

Chabad of Maui, though under evacuation, is now housing evacuees, said Rabbi Mendy Krasnjansky, expressing belief in the strength to persevere.

Zac Wasserman’s anxiety over his uncle, David Hawley, in his 70s and mostly immobile, encapsulates the tense situation.

“I still have hope,” Wasserman said, based in Southern California, until receiving the relieving news that his uncle was alive after numerous unanswered calls.

Big Big News’ coverage of religion is made possible through a partnership with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., with the AP responsible for the content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword Maui

What is the tragic event that took place in Maui?

A devastating wildfire gutted the town of Lahaina in Maui, leading to a rising death toll, the destruction of homes and buildings, and immense grief and loss in the community.

Who is managing the remains of those who have died, and what challenges are they facing?

The local authorities are managing the remains, but there are challenges such as uncertainty about who has possession of the remains and where they will be temporarily stored. The county’s resources for handling the rising number of fatalities are also unclear.

How are the religious and faith leaders responding to the tragedy?

Faith leaders are providing spiritual support, holding services, turning places of worship into temporary shelters, and participating in relief efforts to provide necessities. They are focused on being a beacon of hope and community for those who have lost homes and loved ones.

What efforts are being made to shelter and support the survivors?

Houses of worship are being turned into temporary shelters, and supplies are being delivered to those in need. Faith leaders are assisting families in connecting with friends and relatives across an area with unreliable communication services. The community is working together to recover and rebuild.

Was there any response from international figures?

Yes, Pope Francis acknowledged the tragedy during his Sunday address at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, offering his prayers for the victims of the Maui fires.

How long will the recovery process take, according to local leaders?

According to the Rev. Jay Haynes, the pastor at Kahului Baptist Church, the recovery process will take many years, indicating the extensive damage and the significant effort required to rebuild and heal the community.

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6 comments

Mike O'Brian August 14, 2023 - 1:35 am

i have a friend who lives in Lahaina, he’s ok but he’s lost everything. so terrible 🙁

Reply
Kathy Jenson August 14, 2023 - 2:23 am

Thank you to all the faith leaders and volunteers who are helping out, you’re the unsung heroes of this tragedy. we need more people like you.

Reply
John Smith August 14, 2023 - 4:10 am

I cant believe whats happened to Maui, its just heartbreaking. my prayers go out to all the families there.

Reply
Tim R. August 14, 2023 - 7:22 am

didnt know about the custom of delayed funerals in Hawaii. It’s a long road to recovery, but they will get there. Stay strong Maui!

Reply
Sarah T. August 14, 2023 - 8:24 am

This is so sad, Why does this happen? We need to do more about climate change or else these wildfires wont stop! Help those people somehow, please.

Reply
Linda Frazier August 14, 2023 - 8:06 pm

Its a tragedy what’s happened in Maui. I just hope the government does what’s needed to support those affected. This piece is very informative, Thanks for sharing it.

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