The memorials are starting for victims of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire, as survivors take stock of loved ones they lost, and look for ways to heal.
Members of the Lahaina Canoe Club paddle out from Hanakaoʻo Beach in honor of Carole Hartley, their member who died in the Aug. 8 fires in Lahaina, Hawaii. The outing on Monday was the first time the tightknit club members, many of whom lost their homes, had paddled together since the fires that destroyed much of Lahaina. Photo for The Washington Post by Tamir Kalifa
She was at practice the night before, paddling “like a hammer” in Wegner’s boat, he said, trying to keep up with the strong strokes required to move a massive canoe through the water. The scale feels unfathomable to this island community of about 160,000 people, as signs of loss are everywhere on the west side, including the missing persons posters hanging in store windows and the memorial crosses lining the only remaining exit from Lahaina.ADVERTISEMENT
Teddy Ah Puck and members of the Lahaina Canoe Club carry a canoe as they prepare to paddle out from Hanakaoʻo Beach to honor Hartley. Photo for The Washington Post by Tamir Kalifa Later Monday, loved ones gathered at the ocean to say goodbye to Hartley, adorning her favorite surf spot, Ukumehame Beach, with flowers. “We are here to salute her for loving this place. For loving you,” Kahu Sam Ka’ai said during his blessing.
“She rescued everything and everybody,” said Gloria Madden, a longtime friend. “She really felt like everyone deserves a chance in life, and to be loved and cherished. Her aloha spirit was just so unique.” Family and friends of Carole raise their drinks to honor her and her longtime partner, Charles Paxton, second from left, during a celebration of Hartley's life at Ukumehame Beach near Lahaina, Hawaii. Photo for The Washington Post by Tamir Kalifa
Past the break, they formed a circle around Paxton. A chartered helicopter flew above and unleashed a carpet of purple, red and orange flowers that Hartley’s friends spent an entire day collecting. Paxton let out a yell, and with the group splashing and cheering him on, he threw his lei into the water, submerging himself. They marveled at the sight, crying and laughing all at once.
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