Lahaina Fires: Update September 25, 2023
You may find this hard to believe, but today – September 25th – was the first time that I have had time to read the front page of The Maui News. I’ve kept them all and hope to read them in order in the near future. I’ve been averaging under four hours of sleep a night. Even a few days before the fires, I missed a friend’s birthday party that was being held on the next block. Since the fires, I was a week early for a scheduled colonoscopy. Everyone said the worst part was the preparation – having to drink a five gallon jug of water with stuff in it. No problem – I like to drink. I was even admitted and got up to the operating floor when a nurse discovered I was a week early. So my husband, son and the dogs went to the beach; we had fun. The next week, things went smoothly. I drank a lot again — and did the whole procedure. As I knew, they found nothing – and I’ll know not to do that test again. Then this week, I was a day early for my teeth cleaning. I’ve been in ceramics class for three weeks now, but haven’t had time to go to class since the first week. I won’t be able to go again tomorrow, but I hope for Thursday.
So what does this say? We on Maui, whether we had to evacuate or not, whether we lost our homes, family, friends, pets, jobs , , , or not – are traumatized.
We’ve learned who are friends are. And we don’t have time for chitchat. I have screamed at a “good” chiropractor – who does well – not good. As a result, John and I have been banned from his office for life! But we have a great acupuncturist in the same office, and if the first one I mentioned causes me any trouble tomorrow when we go in to see Sam, I will have the chiropractor arrested for elder abuse (there are great benefits of being “old”) and cause him to lose his license. But I’m Quaker, so although I love the fantasy, things probably won’t go that far; I’ll let you know. I’ve also screamed at the Maui Police who kept asking me irrelevant questions – don’t chitchat with me. In 2019, we – white, Mainland, in a rich neighborhood, had a very traumatic incident with the Maui Police, and I learned never to call the police. However, in May of this year, I actually sent a thank you card to the current Maui Police Chief. And they were very kind when our dog – Strawberry – was dying after the fires in August. So I now know I can trust the Maui Police. They know the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, so to speak. That chiropractor will be in trouble if he doesn’t again listen. I’ve even screamed at my sister. So please, don’t chitchat. We don’t have time. What have we been doing? Most of us are trying to help others heal.
The outpouring of help is incredible. But think about your own traumas. What helped you the most in your situations? Those are the things we need now.
Here’s the article I read on September 25th in The Maui News:
Go to – <https://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2023/09/hundreds-seek-details-on-fire-recovery/>.
Be well. Do good work — and enjoy friends and family wherever you are. And if you don’t already have an emergency bag – get it ready. We need you-and your money–here right now on Maui. Please come.
Aloha, Renée
LISTEN
When I ask you to listen to me
and you start giving advice
you have not done what I asked.
When I ask you to listen to me
and you begin to tell me why I shouldn’t feel that way you are trampling on my feelings.
When I ask you to listen to me
and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem you have failed me, strange as that may seem.
Listen! All I asked, was that you listen. not talk or do – just hear me.
Advice is cheap: 90 cents will get you both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper.
And I can do for myself; I’m not helpless.
Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.
When you do something for me that I can and need to do for myself, you contribute to my fear and weakness.
But, when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel,
no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince you and can get about the business of understanding what’s behind this irrational feeling.
Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what’s
behind them.
Perhaps that’s why prayer works, sometimes, for some people because God is mute, and He doesn’t give advice or try to fix things. “They” just listen and let you
work it out for yourself.
So, please listen and just hear me. And, if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn; and, I’ll listen to you.
LISTEN
- Anonymous – thanks Ilana.
Maui Fires – Update: August 15, 2023
I’ve been catching people doing good! Although the Lahaina fire disaster is the biggest news here, I have not had time to do much more than read the headlines on the front page of The Maui News. However, I can tell you what I saw yesterday, Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
I caught partners Dave Krick and Kerri Winner doing good here on Maui.
Dave is a recovering alcoholic – 20 years sober! He credits yoga with saving his life. A businessman from the Seattle area with such a successful mole eradication operation that during the pandemic, Dave was able to buy Maui Hot Yoga here in Kīhei, Maui. Dave can hold a head stand for a very looooooong time.
As for Kerri, she suffered from a horrific trauma but is now healed due to the Rapid Recovery Therapy of Marisa Peer – which makes use of CBT, NLP . . . and other current best treatments for trauma. Kerri is taking Marisa Peer’s training now so she can help others suffering from PTSD or other such problems resulting from trauma. Kerri leads the awesome sound healing bowls and hypnotherapy classes at Maui Hot Yoga.
If those facts aren’t enough to impress you, they each weighed (and Kerri says I can tell you) about 300 pounds before they started their intensive yoga practices. Kerri and Dave are healthy, living proof of the transformative power of yoga.
Kerri writes, “Dave and I have been collecting donations from our yoga students on island and those who have visited us from the mainland, our friends and family, as well as our mainland customers. [Some of those friends are classmates from as far back as intermediate school. With those donations], we have so far purchased thousands of dollars – [everything we have been given and more] worth of items that are most needed. We go to all the shelters and ask what items they are most in need of, we go and buy them, and bring them back [to the shelters]: Baby formula and diapers, hygiene supplies, dog and cat food, canned food with pop tops, bulk items for shelter kitchens, and more.” [Dave and Kerri first shop at local shops such as Island Grocery Depot near the Kahului Harbor. There the clerks and customers look at Mainland haole with much curiosity since visitors do not normally go to that area of Kahului. Dave and Kerri also go to all the regular Maui places too: Target, Walmart, Costco . . . ] Kerri continues, “All of our yoga instructors are volunteering where they see a need. Amber is helping to find long-term shelter for families. Samantha is working on the boats to take food, water and fuel directly to the people in Lahaina. Rhema is also buying supplies through donations. The rest of our staff members are volunteering with the Red Cross at the shelters and donation locations. We are blessed to have such an amazing group of people working with us in our studio. Thank you for seeing us, Renée!”
Also, you should know that Maui Hot Yoga is sponsoring –
Free Events – Saturdays at 6pm – through the end of August!
Community decompression, sound bath and meditation – Come decompress at Maui Hot Yoga, 115 East Lipoa street unit #202 Kihei, Hawaii 96753. 808-359-4114. The studio is in an ordinary strip mall, but inside you’ll find a lovely oasis of peace that looks out toward our Haleakala Volcano. No need to register; just come.
*******
Others caught doing good on August 15, 2023
Regency Theaters – Free movie for Keiki, friends, and parents of those affected by the fires – Teenage Mutant NinjaTurtles – two shows at day. Go to <https://regencymovies.com › main.php?theaterId=44> to reserve your tickets. Also Regency is donating 20% of its box-office proceeds this weekend to the Maui Food Bank. Thanks Sookie for this information — and thanks to the Regency Theater, located in the KuKui Mall at 1819 Kihei Rd. Kihei, HI. 96753. 808-891-1016.
And thanks to Sue and Al Weihl who opened their home to Amazon helpers. The team that was in the Weihl home left at 3am and hadn’t gotten back at 8p.m. Who even knew there was such a thing as an “Amazon helper”? We love Amazon on Maui, and they are here to help us now. Awesome!!
So thank you to these people and businesses I caught doing good on Maui on Tuesday. There are many many more people, groups, and business coming together to help in many different ways. We are thankful.
Also, you might ask where your contributions can go to provide the most good for your money. I’ve already highly recommended the Hawaii State Teachers’ Association fire fund for teachers and classrooms directly impacted by the fires. You can send checks to HSTA, 1200 Ala Ka Puna St. Honolulu, HI 96789. You’ll be able to make direct donations of dollars to teachers. If you have questions, contact Andrea Eshelman: phone (808) 840-2233; email: aeshelman@hsta.org. Go to http://hsta.org for specific information to choose where you want your dollars to go.
Here’s a great list from Honolulu Civil Beat: <https://www.civilbeat.org › 2023 › 08 › help-maui-fire-victims-here’s-how-you-can-donate>. Thanks Susan Bradford. She particularly recommends Maui Strong for the work they do for as part of the Hawaii Community Foundation.
And finally for today, here are two animal groups that do incredible work, both recommended by Maui Mobile Vet Dr. Paige Okamoto.
- The Maui Humane Society: <https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/>. PO Box 1047, Puunene, HI 96784
(808) 877-3680 Operating Hours: 11am to 5pm
- The Makawao Vet Clinic fire fund: 444 Makawao Avenue Suite A. Makawao, HI 96768 <makawaovet.com>
If you live on Maui, what group do you see doing awesome work here? Let me know, and I’ll pass on the information.
Wherever you are, be well, be strong, be resilient, and be kind to everyone – especially to those in crisis.
Aloha, Renée
Banner photo: Some of Maui Hot Yoga’s awesome instructors, from left: Amanda Dykann, Bess Rasche, Becky Bigoss, Rhema Flowers, and Kerri Winner
Maui Fires – update – August 13, 2023
Want to contribute $$s where the impact will do the most good?
HSTA – Hawaii State Teachers’ Association at <https://www.hsta.org> has set up a special fund for Lahaina teachers who have lost everything. Checks can be sent to HSTA 1200 Ala Kappa St, Honolulu, HI 96789. The money will be given directly to the teachers. Help our teachers – they help our students become the people they can be.
Yesterday, HSTA had a fundraiser/ beginning of school gathering at Sugar Beach Resort Events. Among the teachers there, I met Alynthia Penn, a new teacher who had been assigned to Lahaina and was awaiting her placement. She said, “This is my 14th year as a licensed educator. I believe a commitment to lifelong learning is the most valuable thing teachers can bring to the table. That has caused this career to take me from Atlanta to Alaska and Christian mission to Peace Corps service. From studying Urban Education with the Memphis Teacher Residency to teaching computer literacy and digital citizenship in West Java, I have learned so much about culture and humanity through my time with various people groups around the world. In spite of our various languages and customs, it’s amazing how similar people are from one place to the next. Unfortunately, natural disasters have been a constant during my career so the wildfires during my first year here in Maui are not my first emergency and evacuation. [She experienced Katrina too]. It’s just a shame to witness so much loss of life and legacy. If anyone can preserve history through oral tradition and art, it’s the Hawaiian people! Hopefully, Hawaii will continue to lead by example and show other states and countries how to heal our world and repair what we’ve damaged.” She is great example of a teacher who will have positive impact on our children here in Hawaii.
Alynthia Penn
Needs on Maui – A Red Cross friend, Sue shared that three groups displaced from Lahaina still need homes:
1) An extended Samoan family of 14 who what to stay together.
2) An extended Mexican/American family of 7 and a dog who what to stay together.
3) A single male
If you can house any of these people, let the Red Cross know.
Also, Kekoa Enomoto sent this list: Displaced residents can pick up hot food at Hawaiian Canoe Club (HCC) today/daily or have it delivered to Lahaina people in need. Text Lahaina addresses to Ka‘uhane Lu‘uwai for delivery.
HCC also is staffing a drop-off tent in the parking lot for supplies, such as food, women’s/men’s underwear, medical/first-aid items and Sterno burners.
And finally – caught doing good:
Maui is resilient! Aloha, Renée
Maui Fires – August 8-10th, 2023
Aloha from Maui – to friends and family everywhere. My update for Kīhei, South Maui is we are good enough today — although Lahaina is gone and there are many, many tragedies – likely many we don’t know about yet.
Hawaiians have always had to be resilient people, and we Mainland Haoles (white people) think we are too. We’ll see.
You know, I write – a lot, which takes time, and I’m particularly busy right now as are most Maui residents.
We have faith the worst is over. We commend and are thankful for all our Maui emergency Firefighters, Police, County workers and the many, many volunteer workers too.
Blessings and love to everyone. Aloha, Renee Riley
P. S. I took the photo this morning, Thursday, August 10 at 7:01a.m. A helicopter had just flown over – which meant that it wasn’t actually fighting a fire somewhere on the island, and so the pilot had time to be looking around. We’d expected an evacuation order for the night before. It didn’t happen. Look very closely at the photo: a rainbow is starting to form over the water.
Nice vs. Kind
Here at the end of the 2023 Kihei Canoe Club regatta season, I’ve just learned the profound difference for me between being “nice” and being “kind.”
I have always been “nice” as – I’m sure – you recognize. But a little incident a few weeks ago has changed my life. I arrived at 4:45 am in the dark at Kihei Canoe Club for the morning practice. As usual, I parked behind the ABC store across from the ocean site in my usual spot – a big one since I don’t park so straight any more. As I was sitting there in my 2003 Honda Civic doing my daily Duolingo lesson, Carrie drove up in her new humongous black Ford truck. She asked me if she could park close to my car since I had the biggest spot and her truck is soo huge. So I said sure (but I was thinking if she hadn’t spent enough to buy a house somewhere on the Mainland, she wouldn’t have that problem. She’s about 40 with no wrinkles, beautiful, a lawyer, rich, and an excellent paddling coach). The next practice I arrived and “my” spot was open, but being the “nice” person I am, I left it open. Carrie parked in it. However, she didn’t thank me! What?
I realized in that moment that my being “nice” has always been based on someone thanking me – for giving me validation as a person. So I have always done more, worked harder, and been more “loving.” This reaction and the expectations have made me angry. I could never do enough or be enough for Barry’s parents, for Barry, for my education, for work. I could never accept criticism — since I worked harder and did more than anyone. And if anything went wrong, I’ve always known it’s my fault. But I see only now that I’m really okay inside. I can be kind and helpful without needing recognition.
On that “no thanks to Renée day,” Carrie was the one who criticized our crew, the Wild Wahine – all 70 + and not good enough to be in an official boat for a really bad race at the previous Saturday’s regatta. We’d been in lane nine – far out from the shore — with no flags, no boat holders, and we couldn’t see the flags. We were late at the start, then headed out to the open ocean instead of toward the flag and crossed the official boat not once but twice – reasons for disqualification. We blamed our steers person Meryl for messing up, but actually none of us could see the flag; we were screaming at each other – but our messages were not correct, and Meryl and others in the boat couldn’t hear any way. So Carrie had lots of feedback for us. For the first time in my life – I’m sure – I could hear a criticism and not react by thinking, “What! I work so hard; I do more than anyone! How could anyone criticize me?” And then Carrie started saying what other bad things that might have happened. I actually spoke up (something I’ve almost never done) and said, “But Carrie, we didn’t do that.” There were several actions we could have done to make for a decent race. The most surprising of her advice was that seat five could turn and hit the steers person with her paddle to get her attention and point the correct way. It would mean losing only one stroke if all went well. And we listened — me too! Our Wild Wahine crew talked and strategized!
At one point during the following week of practice, Carrie came in our boat to steer. She told me how to “uni” – how to help turn the canoe around the flag from seat one. I’ve been paddling for 15 years; people have repeatedly told me how to do it, but I always stop the boat – which is wrenching to my arms and really slows the race time. For the first time in my life, I heard. I did the “uni” as Carrie suggested – quite easy and the canoe swung around. It probably shouldn’t be that easy, but what I did was much better for our crew. So thank you for everything, Carrie.
And I have had lots of criticisms that have hurt me: being dumped – several times; failing my oral exam for the Loyola University Ph.D. program; being used as an example of what happens for being late one time at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center where for 10 years I had loved being a volunteer – especially sharing the art gallery information (the MACC still owes me 500 hours, so I’m not forgiving about that); not making the 2012 or 2018 World Sprints outrigger canoe teams in Calgary, Canada and Tahiti, and of course, many other slip ups and mistakes. I’m human. But I finally see I’m okay. It’s wonderful!!
So I’m not planning on being “nice,” but I will be kind, which will not require any affirming reaction and will be a much less stressful way to live. Everything that goes wrong is likely not always my fault. And if something is, I can learn and try something different.
In Leo Tolstoy’s short story, “The Death of Ivan Ilyich,” the main character is a stereotypically awful Russian bureaucrat. It’s not until his dying breath that he realizes he must be kind. I’m hoping on living with the idea that I’m an okay human – and being kind for years to come. It’s a much better way to live.
Aloha, Renée
Banner Photo Above: Wild Wahine (July 15, 2023 – Dorothy, Gloria, me, Meryl, Iris, & Suzan)
We Wild Wahine had a wonderful season although all of our races were unofficial: we share friendship and challenges. And when we are lucky, we learn important life lessons. We are blessed.
May we all be kind — and love one another. Aloha, Renée
Photos by Barry Kristel
“Border Control: the economics of immigration vs. the politics of immigration”
Is immigration good or bad? Economist Idrees Kahloon gives an excellent overview – and answer based on many factors – in the June 12, 2023 The New Yorker.
<https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/06/12/immigration-economy-book-reviews>
Aloha, Renée
Book: “How Do You Live?”
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‘Ulu (breadfruit) Pancakes
I’ve gotten ‘ulu flour-which is gluten free – both as a gift and from a Maui Food Hub order, and this morning decided to make pancakes.
This recipe and the next photo below come from the Hawai’i ‘Ulu Co-op. Of course, I made my adaptions to the recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ cup ʻulu flour
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk [I used almond milk]
- 1 egg
- 3 ripe apple bananas, mashed [I also added 1/4 c. frozen blueberries – and on top frozen whole cherries].
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Directions
- Combine flours, white sugar, baking powder and salt.
- In a separate bowl mix together egg, milk, vegetable oil and bananas.
- Stir batter mixture into banana mixture; batter will be slightly lumpy.
- Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.
- Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides. Serve hot.
Recipe from <https://eatbreadfruit.com/blogs/recipes/ulu-flour-banana-pancakes>.
Serves three. Add honey or syrup — Delicious! Enjoy.
When I cook these next, I will get a ripe ‘ulu to add to the batter. I hope you enjoy these ‘ulu pancakes too.
If you want to know more about ‘ulu, here are a few facts.
“According to DNA fingerprinting studies, the wild seeded ancestor of breadfruit is the breadnut (Artocarpus camansi) which is native to New Guinea, the Maluku Islands, and the Philippines. It was one of the canoe plants spread by Austronesian voyagers around 3,000 years ago into Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia, where it was not native. Today, it’s grown in 90 countries where it’s a staple food in many cultures, and the light, sturdy timber of breadfruit has been used for outriggers, ships, and houses in the tropics. ”
‘Ulu is nutritious: For raw ‘ulu – from USDA:
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 431 kJ (103 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 27.12 g |
| Sugars | 11 g |
| Dietary fiber | 4.9 g |
| Fat | 0.23 g |
| Protein | 1.07 g |
| Vitamins | Quantity%DV† |
| Vitamin A equiv.lutein zeaxanthin | 22 μg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 10%0.11 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 3%0.03 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6%0.9 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 9%0.457 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 8%0.1 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 4%14 μg |
| Choline | 2%9.8 mg |
| Vitamin C | 35%29 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1%0.1 mg |
| Vitamin K | 0%0.5 μg |
| Minerals | Quantity%DV† |
| Calcium | 2%17 mg |
| Iron | 4%0.54 mg |
| Magnesium | 7%25 mg |
| Manganese | 3%0.06 mg |
| Phosphorus | 4%30 mg |
| Potassium | 10%490 mg |
| Sodium | 0%2 mg |
| Zinc | 1%0.12 mg |
| Other constituents | Quantity |
| Water | 70.65 g |
| Link to USDA Database entry | |
| Unitsμg = micrograms • mg = milligramsIU = International unit | |
| †Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA FoodData Centra | |
Breadfruit is 71% water, 27% carbohydrates, 1% protein and negligible in fat (see table). In a 100 g (3.5 oz) amount, raw breadfruit is a rich source (35% of the Daily Value, DV) of vitamin C and a moderate source (10% DV each) of thiamin and potassium, with no other nutrients in significant content.
– from Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breadfruit>.
Depending on when it’s picked, an ‘ulu can taste like a potato or a sweet dessert. See my ‘ulu garlic potatoes, ‘ulu pudding, ‘ulu pops, and ‘ulu cake recipes in other postings on this blog.
Hope you and your family are well – and trying new recipes. Aloha, Renée
Horoscope Wisdom
I admit it – I often read them. I pay attention to the positive aspects and let the rest go. Sometimes there are gems of wisdom there. Here are a few recent ones of Virgo wisdom from The Maui News that I think you’ll like too.
— “It’s often not necessary to take offense. The shade that moody people throw will pass like clouds floating across the sun. When you don’t give negativity much attention, things can lighten up in a moment” (March 21, 2023, A7).
–“While it would be wonderful to know that what you’re doing is the best possible action and the one that will promote happiness for the greatest number of people, there’s no way to be sure. Your guess is as good as anyone’s around you, though, so throw yourself into it.”
— “You’d rather see how things really are. An ugly truth made to look pretty is just disturbing. Better to be upfront than to try and put on a good front. ‘Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds’ – Shakespeare” (March 25-26, 2023, B5).
— “You’ll try to understand where others are coming from. Will they do the same for you today? If not, there’s still a great deal of benefit to the compassionate listening you’ll extend, and many ways to apply what you learn.”
— “Your work will be complimented, and you’ll be praised for the effort you put into relationships too. And while it’s nice to hear appreciation, don’t take it to mean that you must perform to be loved. You’re also loved for just being you” (April 1-2, 2023, B 5).
“May a welcoming spirit open hearts to the best in one another” – Holiday Mathis
Happy Easter, Passover, and whatever tradition you practice.
Aloha, Renée
Banner photo from Google.
"Where in the world are Barry and Renee?" 