Members of the Yadao family celebrate receiving the keys to their newly built Lahaina home during a blessing and dedication ceremony. Photo courtesy Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group

Two families who were victims of the 2023 Lahaina wildfire are celebrating the building of their homes.

The Yadao and Kahahane families had blessing and dedication ceremonies Friday after getting help from the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group and Mennonite Disaster Service.

The two groups worked together to help build a five-bedroom, two-bath home for the Yadao family and a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home for the Kahahane family. The construction of both houses was completed in five months.

“I have immense gratitude to be able to once again be home in Lahaina,” Clint Kahahane said.

Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group team members and partners stand with homeowner Clint Kahahane outside his family’s new home in Lahaina. Photo courtesy Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group

According to Don Rheinheimer, the project coordinator for Mennonite Disaster Service, they were honored to be a partner on the project. Rheinheimer added that the construction took over “7,500 hours of joyful labor.”

“I just want to say thank you to all the organizations that had a part in this,” Bhejay Yadao said.

Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer group that repairs and rebuilds homes for people impacted by disasters in the United States and Canada. For more about the group, go to mds.org.

Lahaina property owners interested in learning more about the rebuilding process or seeking assistance are encouraged to contact Hoʻōla LTRG at mauilongtermrecovery.org or email info@mauilongtermrecovery.org.

Hoʻōla LTRG is also seeking resources and partners to help complete the rebuilding of 10 homes for Lahaina families.

Anyone interested in supporting the effort through electrical, plumbing or masonry services, building materials, contractor discounts or financial contributions is encouraged to contact Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, executive director of Hoʻōla LTRG, at 808-298-6673 or email rhonda@mauilongtermrecovery.org.

Nearly 100 community leaders, volunteers and partner organizations gathered Friday to celebrate the construction of the first two homes built through a partnership between the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group and Mennonite Disaster Service. Photo courtesy Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group