August 8th, 2023 – A unforgettable day.

Part 2

Writing in segments, I get a little emotional re-thinking this day.

I look around the firepit and see our team attempting to make calls. I unlock my phone and start calling my family. My mom was working out in Wailuku that day and once I heard they were going to close the Pali I told urged her to leave as soon as possible. This was the last thing I knew of my mom.

I call her phone. It rings and a dial tone. I try again and I am still unable to get through.

As I look down at my phone, the text messages start to roll in.

"Amber, are you okay?"

"Please call me as soon as you get this"

"Please tell me you got out of Lahaina"

"Where are you"

I start to reply to everyone.

"I'm fine, at work, please tell my family" I call out again, this time to my friend. For a moment, I was able to connect with someone. To let them know I am okay and to please let my family know.

Service was not the best, but I was able to speak to someone and that was good for me.

Still panicking about my family. A million of things going on in my head and the number one thing I am concerned about is them.

Slightly satisfied with that little connection with the world we head back to the office to regroup.

Our small little group splits up for a second and me along with two others walk down to the Hyatt - we were told you could see the fire from there. We had to see it for ourselves.

That short walk over, lots of debris on the road, a few trees were blown over.

You could see a fallen tree and Security at the Hyatt by the entrance was directing cars around it.

We walk closer to the lobby and a similar sight, lobby filled with both guests and locals. Front desk trying their best to answer questions, also unaware of what is really going on. Checking guests in with extremely limited connection to the internet.

Frustrations are high, you could feel the tension in the lobby.

Passing the crowd, we could see the orange and red in the distance. It is bright and you could feel the heat.

The howling of the wind mixed with this fire, uncontrollable and wild.

My heart starts to ache, I start to tear up. I asked if we could leave after being there for less than 10mins. I just could not take it anymore. You could see the smokestack and fire blazing around it.

The walk over to the Hyatt from work, is normally 15 mins. The walk back felt like it took an eternity.

We get back to our hotel.

Hallway is busy, people consistently walking up and down, flashlights and glowsticks lit it up. Housekeeping's J1 students were rolling out carts full of toiletries. I decide it is time for a shower.

As I stand in this pitch-black bathroom with only my phone's flashlight and two glow sticks, I start to cry.

Questioning everything.

What is happening? How did this get so out of hand? What is gone? I just want to go home; I need to see my family. The need to see the faces of those that have my heart.

I gather myself together and get out.

We as a team decided to hunker down at The Westin, getting our little back-office cozy. Pulling the benches out, laying down towels and rolling a few to makeshift a pillow. I decide to nap in my truck.

I get my battery pack out, plug in my phone, turn on my small portable fan and I am ready to call it a night. Right when I start to close my eyes, a familiar voice approach.

My co-super just got word that the Hyatt was evacuating their guests because the fire had gotten to Waihikuli/Hawaiian Home

s, Villages of Leiali'i. This was when we decided to pack up and head up north toNanea.

#LahainaStrong #August8MauiFires