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 Store
“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 Store, 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/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atf3r
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuTefxZgWUJkDVoZGZQpxgQ
Highlights:
01:05 Meet Kalikolehua Store
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 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.
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.
👨🏻💼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.
👩🏻💼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.
👨🏻💼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.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nestor-ugale-jr-41ab79122/