004: Day 1: TALK STORY: The Maui Fires and Leadership with ʻĀina at the Center

2024 WILDFIRE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

 

Episode Description: 

“We were rendering aid— food, medical, and those immediate needs until such that the government arrived. So we were in operation for 30 days.” —Kalikolehua Storer

 

“Hard decisions had to be made that day. My daughter would grab the pets and I would grab my uncle. This was the plan… On the one-year date, I scattered my uncle's ashes that morning. I felt free, and I felt he was free. — I tell my daughter, my husband, and even my pets all the time we made it.” —Laurie Lei DeGama

 

“As we make new memories moving forward, we must learn from the bad ones and treasure the good ones, and together we can and together we will build a better future, not with selfishness or greed, but with a cohesive understanding that we honor our past, live in safety and comfort in the present, and continue to build a solid legacy for future generations to follow.”  —Earle Kukahiko

 

“We will not be defined by loss, but by our response, our love and our unwavering commitment to rebuild. Let the story of our resilience be the legacy we forge for generations to come.” —Mish Shishido

 

“My memory still taps into the scent of charred cars and debris as I think about the elders hiding in homes that stood still afraid, lonely and without a clue in the world of what was to come.” —Nestor Ugale

 

When the devastating Maui wildfires tore through the historic town of Lahaina, the community found itself facing unimaginable loss. Yet, from the ashes, a remarkable story of resilience and community empowerment began to emerge. Everyday people, guided by the values of aloha and ohana, stepped up to lead the charge in rebuilding their beloved home.

Witness the remarkable leadership that emerged as Jennifer sits with Kalikolehua Storer, Laurie Lei Degama, Earle Kuhahiko, Mish Shishido, and Nestor Ugale.

This powerful conversation offers a rare glimpse into the untold stories of Lahaina's recovery, as these emergent leaders share their firsthand accounts of addressing critical challenges, uplifting marginalized groups, and weaving cultural traditions into the rebuilding process. 

Connect with After The Fire USA: 

• Website: https://afterthefireusa.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• X: https://twitter.com/AfterTheFireUSA
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ

Highlights:

• 01:05 Meet Kalikolehua Storer
• 06:52 Meet Laurie Lei DeGama
• 16:42 Meet Earle Kukahiko
• 20:56 Meet Mish Shishido
• 24:24 Meet Nestor Ugale
• 30:36 Speaking the Language of Hope, Community, and Resilience
• 42:45 Thanks to Emergent Leaders

 

 

Meet The Moderator: 

👩🏻‍💼Jennifer Gray Thompson, MPA, Founder & CEO of After the Fire USA

Jennifer Gray Thompson is a lifelong resident of Sonoma Valley in Northern California’s wine country. She attended Santa Rosa Junior College and graduated from Dominican University with dual degrees in English and History, and earned a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy.  After the devastating fires of October 2017, she accepted her current position as Executive Director of Rebuild Northbay Foundation (RNBF), a long-term post-disaster organization dedicated to helping our region rebuild better, greener, safer, and faster. In this capacity, Jennifer has traveled across the country to share the innovative model of RNBF with colleagues and newly disaster-affected communities. Jennifer resides in Sonoma Valley with her husband, Douglas, children, and two rescue dogs, Buddy and GiGi, who have both randomly appeared in podcast cameos.

 

Meet The Panel

👩🏻‍💼Kalikolehua Storer, Mayor’s Advisory Committee, Operations Manager, Pu’u Kukui Watershed

Kalikolehua Storer is a dedicated community member with a passion for both cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. As an area training and cultural advisor for Hyatt Resorts, she shares her knowledge of Hawaiian traditions and values with visitors and employees alike.  She also serves as the Pu’u Kukui Watershed operations supervisor, playing a vital role in protecting this critical ecosystem. Her diverse roles reflect her commitment to connecting people with the land, its history, and its future. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaliko-storer-5621a039/ 

 

👩🏻‍💼Laurie Lei DeGama, Community Leader, Mayor’s Advisory Committee

Laurie DeGama is a lifelong Lahaina resident with a deep commitment to her community. As the owner of No Ka Oi Deli, she carries on a family tradition of serving the people of Lahaina with delicious food and warm hospitality. Her family's legacy in the town dates back two generations, with the ownership and operation of the beloved Hop Wo store and bakery. Beyond her business, Laurie is actively involved in the community as the president of the Lahainaluna PTSA, advocating for the educational success of the next generation. Laurie's dedication to Lahaina is evident in her work, leadership, and unwavering spirit.

 

👨🏻‍💼Earle Kukahiko, Community Leader, Mayor’s Advisory Committee

Earle Kukahiko is a lifelong resident of Lahaina, Maui and a respected kupuna (elder) in the community. As a member of the Lahaina Advisory Committee formed after the devastating 2023 wildfires, Earle brings a valuable perspective rooted in the cultural traditions and history of the region. With deep ties to the land and community, Earle plays a crucial role in ensuring the rebuilding and recovery efforts are done in a righteous and compassionate manner, honoring the past while building a solid legacy for future generations. His commitment to instilling hope and guiding the community through this challenging time is a testament to his leadership and the resilience of the Lahaina ohana.

 

👩🏻‍💼Mish Shishido, Community Leader, Mayor’s Advisory Committee

Melissah Mish Shishido is a dedicated educator with a passion for learning and community engagement. She spent 21 years as a high school teacher in Oahu, inspiring generations of students. Mish continues to share her knowledge and expertise as an online tutor, reaching students across the islands. 

Mish embodies the philosophy of “thinking globally and acting locally,” demonstrating this through her volunteer work with the Kihei Fourth Friday Town Party. For the past years, Mish has been an active participant in this community event, forging connections, making friends, and gaining valuable insights into the issues facing her community.

 

👨🏻‍💼Nestor Ugale Jr., Community Leader, Mayor’s Advisory Committee

Nestor Ugale is a lifelong resident of Lahaina and a member of the Lahaina Advisory Committee. After the 2023 wildfires, he joined the committee to represent the kupuna (elders) and advocate for the Filipino and immigrant communities. As a fourth-generation Lahaina Filipino, Nestor played a crucial role in reaching out to underserved neighborhoods and ensuring they received necessary aid. He co-founded the nonprofit Kaibigan ng Lahaina to address socioeconomic, mental health, and educational needs. Nestor's local knowledge and commitment to supporting Lahaina's diverse residents have made him an invaluable asset in the community's recovery efforts.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestor-ugale-jr-41ab79122/