‘One big community’: Kauai, Maui mayors tour Makawao sites destroyed by Lala

MAKAWAO (HawaiiNewsNow) – Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami joined Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen on Monday to tour areas of Maui hit hardest by Hurricane Lala.

Read more ‘Heartbreaking’: Maui businesses ruined by Lala’s forceful winds

The two spent the day visiting damaged sites, including Maui Veterans Cemetery, local businesses and a church in Makawao.

Mayors start day at Maui Veterans Cemetery

Bissen took Kawakami to Maui Veterans Cemetery, a site where many of Bissen’s family members are buried.

The cemetery was littered with fallen tree branches.

“Things flying off the roof. Metal pieces ending up on the ground. Lots and lots of green waste,” Bissen said.

Kawakami said it was important for him to show his support for Maui.

“Kauai got through relatively unscathed. Gov. Green is on Hawaii Island and all the mayors, we have this really great working relationship where we just jump in and we help each other out. We’re all one big community. We may be separated by ocean, but we’re connected by families,” Kawakami said.

Family restaurant left unsafe to operate

The mayors’ next stop was Ohana Island Grindz, off Baldwin Avenue in Makawao town, where massive trees toppled onto the family restaurant, making it unsafe to operate.

“We just tried to move whatever we can out of this space just in case more comes down,” the owner said to the mayors.

Read more Where to drop off storm debris: Oahu trash centers, landfill reopen

Lei shop destroyed by fallen trees

A few doors down at Haku Maui, owner Britney Allencastre’s family business was destroyed.

Eucalyptus trees smashed into her shop, and the roof caved in on the business she has run for nearly 10 years.

“You know how precious it is and how people share love through lei and it really brings so much people together and connects people to aina, culture and community and the community showed up for us yesterday and today,” Allencastre told the mayors.

Bissen responded, “That means you’ve been there for them.”

Damage assessment reports encouraged

While county and state officials continue to assess damage from Lala throughout the islands, those suffering from damage are grateful for all the help they can get.

Officials are encouraging anyone with damage from the storm to fill out a damage assessment report.

Read more HIEMA director discusses Hawaii National Guard response during Lala recovery