From Ashes To Aloha Rebuilding Homes, Restoring Hope
By Denise Nussbaum
Early on August 8, 2023, Lahaina woke to what felt like an unusual day. The power was out and high winds made many feel restless. As the day progressed, the winds turned out to be an omen of events to come.
By the evening, everything was gone. Driven by the hurricane-force winds, a massive wildfire swept through the historic town with terrifying speed. In minutes, homes, businesses, and decades of memories went up in smoke. People fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs, some leaping into the ocean to escape the flames.
When the smoke cleared, the Lahaina everyone knew was unrecognizable. Yet amid the devastation, the community didn't wait for help. Neighbors rescued neighbors, strangers became family, and volunteers quickly pooled resources.
This was the moment Aloha Ranch Lahaina's mission changed forever. Since 2019, they had supported vulnerable local families, but overnight the need exploded. Hundreds of wildfire survivors suddenly faced a heartbreaking reality: they had lost everything.
It wasn't simply about providing household items; it was about restoring dignity and rebuilding hope, one home at a time.
Even for families who secured temporary housing, the struggle wasn't over. A bare apartment isn't a home. It doesn't have a bed to sleep on, dishes or utensils to cook with, or towels to dry off. There are no sheets, lamps, or warm blankets to comfort a frightened child. That's where Aloha Ranch stepped in—bridging the gap between surviving and beginning to heal.
Every donated bed frame meant a restful night after months of uncertainty. Every kitchen table gave a family a place to gather again. Every plate, towel, and pillow reminded survivors they hadn't been forgotten.
From sunrise until late at night, volunteers sorted donations while partners and supporters across the country gave generously, trusting their gifts would reach those who needed them most. Together, they proved that aloha isn't just a word—it's a promise to care for one another.
The fire may have destroyed the town, but it couldn't destroy its spirit. That resilience lives on in volunteers who carry furniture into new homes, donors who quietly give what they can, and survivors who find the strength to begin again. This isn't just a story of tragedy; it's the story of a community choosing hope over despair. And that story is still being written.
When you lose everything, it's the everyday essentials you miss most: a comfortable bed, a kitchen table, warm towels, cookware, and clean sheets. These aren't just household items; they’re the foundation of a safe, stable home. Your support helps provide these essentials, giving families the fresh start they deserve.
When you give to Aloha Ranch Lahaina, you're doing far more than donating furniture and supplies. You're helping parents create a safe place for their children, restoring hope, and reminding our neighbors they are not alone. Please join us today. Together, we can help another family open their door and finally feel at home again.
Denise Nussbaum is the founder and director of Aloha Ranch. Donate now to help rebuild lives, one home at a time. Visit Aloha Ranch Lahaina at www.AlohaRanchLahaina.org
Be The Light And Breathe! Dr.
By Lalénya L. Vann
We are radiant luminous Beings made of light, stardust and love! We are blessed to live on beautiful, sacred Gaia and to have the freedom of choice. Each of us has a column of light emanating from our hearts that connects us to the Divine Source of creativity, light, and love, and to our dear Mother Earth for grounding, nurturing, and nourishment. So, breathe deeply into your heart, align your column of light, above and below, and remember something that you are grateful for. Now hold the Intention for Peace - in your heart, and on Earth. Take another deep breath, breathing in light and love, hold for a moment, slowly release and exhale fully and completely, releasing all the “stuff” that’s not yours. Pause. Relax your whole body. Repeat. Even stopping for a moment and taking three breaths can help calm you.
And you can always “ask your helping spirits” for help. Maybe you call them angels, ancestors, or energies. I like to call on my helping spirits in a form of gratitude, saying “Thank you for your many blessings! And thank you for your guidance, and helping me to manifest in my life.” I also use visualizing, embodying the feelings, and acting as if I already have it. Then, let it go! And remember to thank them when it’s received! Of course, it’s important to let go of doubt, worry, and anxiety, and to trust!
I know and believe that as radiant luminous Beings, with love in our hearts, holding the intention for peace, we can “outshine these times.” So, take a deep breath, then take the next step, with the Spirit of Aloha, and be the light and love you wish to see in the world
Lalénya L. Vann is a certified Reiki practitioner and dream teacher, offering “Radiant Energy Healings” (Reiki energy, crystals, shamanic drumming, and sound), and “Waking Dream Drum Journeys,” Contact: www.Healing.LLVann.com, www.ActiveDreamingMaui.com, 808.757.8761, and LLVann@iCloud.co
Douglas J. Price, D.C.
We send our love and light to Dr. Douglas J. Price, D.C., who peacefully passed on April 6, 2026, at his home on Maui.
Doug was a cherished member of the Maui Vision Magazine family for many years, sharing his wisdom as both a regular contributor and valued advertiser. A chiropractor, teacher, author, and passionate advocate for holistic healing, he devoted more than four decades to helping others discover deeper pathways to wellness. He studied and practiced healing modalities well beyond chiropractic and New German Medicine. He was an avid animal lover, spiritual seeker and dedicated, loyal friend with a heart of gold.
Born with a significant hearing impairment, Doug transformed what many would have viewed as a limitation into one of his greatest gifts. He often said that learning to “feel” people rather than simply hear them gave him a unique ability to connect with others on a profound level. That compassion became the foundation of his life’s work.
Through his chiropractic practice, international teaching, writings, and his work with German New Medicine, Doug encouraged thousands to explore the relationship between emotional wellbeing and physical health. Whether speaking at seminars, mentoring students, or working one-on-one with clients, his mission remained the same: to empower others with knowledge, hope and the possibility of healing.
Doug’s generous spirit, inquisitive mind, and unwavering commitment to service touched countless lives on Maui and around the world. We are grateful for the inspiration he shared so freely and celebrate a life dedicated to healing, learning, and uplifting humanity.
A hui hou, Doug. Your light and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew you.
