Sacred Hearts School students were all smiles last month as they participated in Field Day, part of Catholic Schools Week festivities. (Photo courtesy Sacred Hearts School)
Maui’s Catholic community remains steadfast in faith and unity as recovery from last year’s wildfires continues
By Jennifer Rector
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Half a year ago, disaster struck the island of Maui as fires spread through Lahaina and Kula, leaving a trail of destruction and killing at least 101 people. For many, the trauma still lingers, and clean-up efforts and survival remain at the forefront of residents’ minds.
The Maui vicariate, which comprises 10 parishes, has conducted 13 funerals for fire victims so far with more to follow.
The Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation’s Maui Disaster Relief program, which launched in October, received more than 1,700 applications for help and is still working through them.
Toni Rojas, director of Maui Disaster Relief, said that there is still a lot of work to be done.
“Long-term rental housing and mental health are the two major areas of need, however individual applicants are still in need of financial assistance as they continue to pay their mortgage, utilities and daily living expenses,” Rojas said.
Among the items that are most well received, she said, are Costco gift cards. The store has become a reliable place for food, other essential supplies and gas.
Maria Lanakila Church, in the heart of Lahaina, remains a beacon of hope amid the rubble. Residents are still only allowed temporary visits to Lahaina, so church services are held at Sacred Hearts Mission in Kapalua.
“Although the structure of Maria Lanakila Church still stands, it will require tremendous restoration, but is a symbol of hope for the parishioners and the entire town of Lahaina,” Rojas said.
Meanwhile, the students, faculty and staff of Sacred Hearts School, which sat on the grounds of Maria Lanakila and was destroyed, continue to look ahead after being relocated to Sacred Hearts Mission, about 10 miles north. Classes now take place beneath temporary tents, and schedules include Saturdays and virtual learning.
“Children are resilient and process trauma differently. When they are in school, it is their safe space for learning and engaging with their teachers and classmates,” said Principal Tonata Lolesio.
A bright future awaits as the students will have a new school to call home.
“We are going to Kaanapali in the 2024-2025 school year. Thanks be to God,” Lolesio said. “Our marketing team is working on releasing this information to the media soon.”
Kindergartners recently celebrated the 100th day of school — an “extra special day for us,” school officials said. (Photos courtesy Sacred Hearts School)
While building a new school is in the works, families and staff are also working together to move forward.
Lolesio said that the students have become more acclimated to their learning environment and daily school schedule.
“They’ve accepted that as a makeshift school, there are things we’ve sacrificed for the more significant cause of coming back together as a school community,” said Lolesio. “We have a deeper appreciation of what we have and empathy with those in need who have suffered through this tragedy.”
Lolesio said the temporary school has also become a safe haven for the school community while some of the students and teachers continue to face homelessness.
“More than half of our 175 students, about 84, and 12 of our 17 faculty and staff members are displaced,” Lolesio said. “The housing crisis continues to be the No. 1 issue we are facing.”
Despite the circumstances, support within the school remains strong.
“We know that there is a long road ahead to recovery, and with the grace of God and nurturing community and ohana through love, faith and charity, we can overcome the obstacles and challenges,” Lolesio said.
The Sacred Hearts School Compassionate Hearts Tuition Assistance Campaign was launched last Thanksgiving. Its $4 million goal will directly support West Maui families who need tuition assistance over the next two years.
The initiative has raised $1.6 million as of Jan. 30 and ends on Easter Sunday, March 31, according to Rojas.
Kawailani Silva’s first graders listen closely during classtime at Sacred Hearts Mission in Kapalua.
With all the sacrifices and efforts Lolesio and her team have put into helping the students, the Sacred Hearts principal has gained national recognition: She was named one of 11 recipients of the National Catholic Educational Association’s “Lead. Learn. Proclaim.” awards for 2024.
In a press release, the NCEA said the award highlights the outstanding work being done in Catholic education communities across the country.
“Our LLP honorees tirelessly carry out the mission of faith formation deeply invested in the students, the schools and their ministry,” said Lincoln Snyder, NCEA president and CEO.
As for Lolesio, she said she is still in awe of how far they have come along as a community after such a tragedy.
“It would not have been possible without the grace of God and the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” she said. “This faith empowered others to open their hearts and hands to service to help us in our time of need. For this, I am in awe of God’s power and providence, and I am deeply grateful for all the people who have been our companions and continue to be our companions on this faith journey.”
To donate to the disaster relief or tuition assistance funds, visit hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org.
