Chefs Kyle Kawakami and Mark "Gooch" Noguchi recount the devastation of Lahaina caused by the wildfires on August 8, 2023. Over 2,200 homes and businesses were destroyed, and 102 lives were lost. The town, once a vital part of Hawaiian cultural history, faces ongoing recovery efforts. Chefs have taken an active role in aiding the community, demonstrating the importance of the hospitality industry in rebuilding and providing support. As the second anniversary of the wildfires approaches, recovery work continues, but many temporary housing and damaged lots remain.
Kyle Kawakami reflects on the aftermath of the wildfires, saying, "The weirdest thing was the lack of color. The ocean looked blue, the sand was white, and then you turn your head and it was like a bomb went off and everything was white, gray, and black. There were no trees, no life. It still kind of haunts me."
The resilience of the community in Lahaina remains visible as chefs and locals band together to facilitate recovery. The close-knit hospitality industry plays a critical role in supporting those affected by the tragedy.
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