The Banyan Tree on Front Street in Lahaina. (Dreamstime)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)/rdnewsNOW

36 dead, 11,000+ evacuated

Lahaina destruction hits close to home for Red Deerian

Aug 11, 2023 | 11:12 AM

As devastation reigns on the island of Maui, specifically in the town of Lahaina, which is home to about 13,000 people, it’s all hitting close to the heart for at least one Red Deerian.

Val Jensen, who’ lives in Red Deer but has owned a home south of Lahaina for 20 years, says the death toll — at least 36 people as of Thursday morning — and destruction is, in one word: “Horrific.”

“I can’t sit and watch it for emotional reasons, but also to think about all the history that’s been lost there,” she says t rdnewsNOW from home in Red Deer. “Number one, there’s the Banyan Tree, and anyone who’s ever gone to Maui, visits Lahaina to see this 150-year-old tree and get a picture in front of it.”

Reports suggest the Banyan Tree, against all odds, has survived the fire, though not without sustaining significant damage.

“There’s the Waiola Church which is a huge piece of history lost, there’s the Baldwin Home Museum, and there’s even the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant, which opened in 1989,” Jensen notes.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

12h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“It’s been described as a war-zone. It’s all just flattened.”

Front Street in Lahaina hosts more than 20,000 residents and tourists come October, all out to celebrate Halloween, known locally as ‘the Mardi Gras of the South Pacific.’ (Val Jensen)

Jensen believes the rebuild will be “horrendous” as most material comes in on boats, often from New Zealand, she says.

“Tourism will take a big hit. That includes cruise ships which dock there multiple times each week,” she adds. “Lahaina is the vibe of Maui. Everyone goes to Lahaina even if they aren’t staying there.”

And as Jensen points out, the name Lahaina is translated as ‘merciless sun.’

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, it is safe to say that climate change has played a role in the extent of the damage, with nearby Hurricane Dora fanning the flames, and it already being a hot and dry summer.

“We’re sending Aloha to the people of Lahaina,” says Jensen. “Aloha isn’t just hello and goodbye, it’s love, it’s respect, and it’s culture.”

In the meantime, U.S. President Joe Biden has committed federal funding to support recovery efforts.

There are ways you can provide help, if you wish to do so:

Hawaii Salvation Army

American Red Cross

Maui United Way

People with upcoming non-essential trips to Maui are being asked to cancel as officials focus on relief and recovery.

More than 11,000 people have been evacuated thus far.