VIDEO: Nearly four months since a devastating wildfire blazed through a portion of Maʻili, one family who lost nearly everything is almost ready to break ground on a new home. Along the perimeter of the Ahuna family property, charred remnants from the fire remain. But the area where the rubble of their home once sat has been cleared.
Kat Ahuna shared that soon, a new home will be standing as plans have been drawn up and permits are processing. Nearly four months ago, on July 6, a fire destroyed their home and also ended the life of 94-year-old Maria Pascual, an elderly flower farmer who lived on a neighboring lot. “It’s been rough but … blessings from everybody still,” Ahuna said. “Just glad to be here. Everybody’s okay. Moving on but it’s taking a while. But I guess one day at a time is all we can do.”
Since the fire, the Ahunas have lived in trailers on the property. They lost nearly everything, including a pet dog, and their inventory for their party rental business, run by her daughter. Ahuna said they’re slowly getting operations for that back up to speed. Their pet boar also still lives on property. While rebuilding their lives, Ahuna has also continued her fight against endometrial cancer, sharing a positive outlook now that treatments are being further spread out.
