Remembering those lost in the Maui fires

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hundreds of acreage burned, historic buildings gone, homes destroyed, thousands displaced, though nothing is as heartbreaking as the loved ones whose lives were lost in the Lahaina fires.

The Maui Police Department started releasing the names of the deceased who have been identified about a week after the fires.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the families who are beginning to receive notifications about their loved ones,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “As a community, we offer our prayers of comfort in this most difficult time.”

MPD said the death toll of the Maui fires stands at 100 and of those victims 99 have been identified.

The death toll was increased from 97 to 98 after a burn victim died from their injuries at a hospital on Oahu. It then rose again to 99 when additional human remains were found. On Nov. 14, Maui County noted “total estimated fatalities” had risen to 100.

Maui wildfire disaster victims:

Identified on Nov. 14:

Sharlene Rabang (78) of Lahaina

Identified on Nov. 1:

Lee Rogo (76) of Lahaina

Identified on Oct. 16:

Michael Misaka (61) of Lahaina

Identified on Oct. 11:

Dale Richter (66) of Lahaina

Leslie Smith (80) of Lahaina

Identified on Oct. 10:

Jeanne Eliason (57) of Lahaina

Eliason is survived by her daughter Leila May Torgerson who shared these words about her mother:

My mom Jean was the most amazing woman and finding out how absolutely loved she was by everyone makes my heart so full. Not only was she the best mom to me but she was the best mom to everyone. Her light was so bright and regardless of any situation she made the best of it which eventually taught me to do the same in life. Her faith in God was inspiring and from what she taught me was we all have that platinum card to heaven. It’s so sad knowing she was a month away from becoming a first-time grandma, she’s been asking for a grandchild since I met my husband 10 years ago. I know she’s watching over us and experiencing it all from heaven.

Identified on Oct. 5:

Michael Mahnensmith (80) of Lahaina

Identified on Oct. 3:

Laurie Allen (65) of Lahaina

Identified on Oct. 2:

Franklin Trejos (68) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 29:

Allen John Constantino (25) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 26:

Identified on Sept. 25:

Matsuyuki Osato (83) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 24:

Michael Morinho (61) of Lahaina

Ediomede Pavian Castillo (35) of Lahaina

Alfred Rawlings (84) of Lahaina

Maria Victoria Recolizado (51) of Lahaina

Justin Recolizado (11) of Lahaina

Terri Thomas (62) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 20:

Kirk Carter (44) Lahaina

Friends of Kirk Carter said he loved music and going to concerts. Carter, originally from Indiana, fell in love with Maui and became a resident in the early 2000s. Carter’s friends said he was found badly burned near the Safeway parking lot.

He was rescued and taken to a police station and flown to Straub in Honolulu. His friends said Carter succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 16, 2023. He is survived by his brother.

Identified on Sept. 19:

James Smith (79) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 18:

Revelina Tomboc (81) of Lahaina

Morris Kaita (74) of Lahaina

Richard Kam (88) of Lahaina

Linda Vaikeli (69) of Lahaina

Rex Cole (64) of Lahaina

The Maui Rescue Mission team who was close with Rex shared the following statement with KHON2 News:

“Rex was sweet with kind eyes. The Maui Rescue Mission team had been friends with him, and advocates for him, for several years. He was dearly loved by our team of volunteers and staff, and though he needed a higher level of care than our island currently has available, he was always ‘ohana at our Lahaina outreaches. He will be missed and remembered. A hui hou, Rex.”

Identified on Sept. 17:

Janet St Clair (75) of Lahaina

Douglas Matsuda-Boucher (65) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 16:

Michael Gordon (68) of Lahaina

Carole Hartley (60) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 15:

Marilou Dias (60) of Lahaina

June Anbe (78) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 12:

Buddy Carter (85) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 11:

Bibiana “Bhing” Lutrania (58) of Lahaina

Glenn Yoshino (75) of Lahaina

Rafael Imperial (63) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 10:

Floyd St Clair (75) of Lahaina

Leticia Constantino (56) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 5:

Louise Abihai (97) of Lahaina

Identified on Sept. 3:

Nicholas Turbin (71) of Lahaina *Maui County initially gave the wrong name for this victim. They corrected it on Sept. 27.

Anthony “Tony” Simpson (43) of Lahaina

KHON2 News spoke with Simpson’s family, click here for the full story.

Glenda Yabes (48) of Lahaina

John “Thumper” McCarthy (74) of Lahaina 

Identified on Sept. 1:

Tim Nakamoto (69) of Lahaina

Identified on Aug. 31:

Leroy Wagner (69) of Lahaina

Identified on Aug. 29:

Gwendolyn Puou (83) of Lahaina

Edward Soto (76) of Lahaina

Joseph Lara (86) of Lahaina

KHON2 spoke with Lara’s family about their beloved father.

The family said, Lara was Lahaina born and raised. He later moved to Lanai for many years where he worked as a station manager for Maui Electric. After he retired, Lara moved back to Lahaina. His family said, he had a big personality, was very outgoing and enjoyed hanging out at Mala Wharf.

Lara was known for driving around Lahaina in his signature purple truck with his dog Haupia by his side.

“Everywhere my dad went, she was there, everywhere,” said Misty Lara, daughter of Joseph Lara. “I’m glad that we had received confirmation that they were together. So I’m glad that in their final moments, they had each other to somewhat comfort what they could in each other.”

Identified on Aug. 28:

Eugene Recolizado (50) of Lahaina

Mark Kaminsky (59) of Lahaina

Identified on Aug. 27:

David Nuesca Jr (59) of Lahaina

Carolyn Ono (73) of Lahaina

Po’omaika’i Losano (28) of Lahaina

Po’omaika’i Losano’s sister, Jayna Barut, told KHON2 “My brother was the kindest person. He was selfless and cared for everyone before himself. He went through a lot, but changed his life around, and he truly amazed me with all of his hopes and dreams. He loved his family and his sons unconditionally. He impacted the lives of everyone he met. Heaven is so lucky to have him.”

Identified on Aug. 26:

Pablo Pagdilao III (75) of Lahaina

Coleen Jones (59) of Lahaina

Identified on Aug. 25:

Roxanne Ibara-Hinau (68) of Lahaina

Rogelio Mabalot (68) of Lahaina

George Hall III (67) of Kahului

Identified on Aug. 24:

Todd Nakamura (61) of Lahaina

Bernard Portabes (75) of Lahaina

Family of four of Lahaina

Tony Takafua (7) of Lahaina

Salote Tone (39) of Lahaina

Faaoso Tone (70) of Lahaina

Maluifonua Tone (73) of Lahaina

According to the GoFundMe page, the family of four perished while attempting to flee the raging fire in Lahaina.

“They were discovered Thursday morning in a burned-out car near their home,” said Kevin Tanaka’s cousins who set up the GoFundMe page. “Words cannot express how devasting this is for the family, many who have lost everything.”

Tanaka’s cousins indicated that the rest of the family, nearly 20 people, are safe after safely fleeing fire and are temporarily living in a single home of one of the Tanaka’s cousins.

Seven-year-old Tony Takafua attended Nahienaena Elementary. His teacher and fellow students have created a memorial for him and another student, Josue Vargas’s 15-year-old brother, who perished in the fire.

“The stone represents the foundation of our community, the children, the kupuna, as you already know the most vulnerable but precious in the Hawaiian culture,” said Kiley Adolpho to KHON2’s Sam Spangler.

Bette Jo Dyckman (73) of Lahaina

Rebecca Rans (57) of Lahaina

Identified on Aug. 23:

Tau Ponali (66) of Lahaina

The Ponali shared the following statement of Tau:

“Our mother, Tau Ponali, was truly one of a kind. She was strong, thoughtful, passionate but above all she was a kind and caring person. Everyone that knew her knew she would do anything she could to help those she crossed paths with regardless if she knew them or not. She devoted her life to Jesus Christ and, believe it or not, she knew the Bible front to back and could recite any scripture she needed to at a moments notice. She spent her days under the banyan tree, always dressed in her favorite color white, fellowshipping and providing any guidance she could to help guide others through life. She loved local food, all kinds of music and was an avid movie enthusiast. Our mother was not afraid of anything, even death, because she knew God was with her to guide her. She touched so many lives, we will forever be grateful for her and she will always be remembered for that. She is at peace now in Gods care and we hope that brings some comfort to everyone who loved her.”

Valerie Kauffman (78) of Lahaina

A friend of Kauffman Nik Hilananda said Kauffman lived on Maui for many years and she is survived by her son.

Salvador Coloma (77) of Lahaina

Carlo Tobias (54) of Lahaina

Albert Kitaguchi (62) of Lahaina

Lynn Manibog (74) of Lahaina

Lynn’s daughter said her mother was so loving and caring. “All of this is devastating and we miss her so much. My mom held multiple positions at the Royal Lahaina Resort, from purchasing to payroll master. She retired from there after 35 years. Because she loved working and helping people, she spent the next 10+ years as a substitute teacher. Her favorite place to sub was King Kamehameha III School, the elementary school that was destroyed by the fire on Front Street.”

Lynn leaves behind two children, Brandy and Shannon Manibog. Lynn had five grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and one more great-grandchild on the way (due date is next month).

Identified on Aug. 22:

Clyde Wakida (74) of Lahaina

The family spoke with KHON2 News to take a journey back in time to remember him and their beloved plantation town. Click here to read the full story.

Todd Yamafuji (68) of Lahaina

Antonia Molina (64) of Lahaina

Freeman Tam Lung (80) of Lahaina

Narciso Baylosis Jr. (67) of Lahaina

Vanessa Baylosis (67) of Lahaina

Theresa Cook (72) of California – Theresa Cook’s daughter told KHON2 her mother Theresa was visiting Maui from California. Cook was staying at the Pioneer Inn on Front Street. Her daughter said she was unable to get a hold of her mother the afternoon of the fires. She said the FBI collected a DNA sample from her and received a call a few days later confirming they had identified her mother as one of the victims. Melissa said she and her mother have been through a lot over the years, including surviving several fires in California and losing their family home in one of them. Theresa’s daughter told KHON2 any bit of information helps the families who are looking for their loved ones, and no small detail goes unnoticed. Theresa’s daughter said one of the last sightings reported to her of her mother was from a stranger who said they saw Theresa near the Banyan Tree.

Joseph Schilling (67) of Lahaina

Described as caring, outgoing, funny, easygoing, joyous and loved, his friends called him Joe.

“From the time me and my four brothers were born, Uncle Joe was a second father to us,” reads Schilling’s memorial on the GoFundMe page set up by his family. “He was known as ‘Funcle Joe’ for a reason. Whether it be the trips to go bullet shell hunting or staying up late while my parents were gone so he could sneak us his famous sugar toast, he was always willing to act out of love and kindness towards myself and my brothers.”

According to his family, Schilling passed while aiding in evacuating five elderly people in his housing complex.

“Joe passed as a HERO,” his family said. “His character showed until his very last moments. To everybody who had the pleasure of meeting my Uncle Joe, count your lucky stars; rarely do you get to meet such a genuine soul.”

Identified Aug. 21

Douglas Gloege (59) of Lahaina

Juan Deleon (45) of Lahaina

Identified on Aug. 20:

Conchita Sagudang (75) of Lahaina

Danilo Sagudang (55) of Lahaina

Jonathan Somaoang (76) of Lahaina

Rodolfo Rocutan (76) of Lahaina

Rocutan was known by his friends and family as a wise man, a good friend and a caring and loving father and grandfather.

“A person who has great personality and good soul,” is how Rhea Rocutan Valenzuela and the Rocutan Family described Rodolfo on his GoFundMe page. “He touched everyone’s heart with Aloha. He was living in Lahaina, Maui with his sister, who is a survivor of the Lahaina Wildfire. They lost their house and didn’t save anything.”

Angelita Vasquez (88) of Lahaina

“Our Angelita, beloved mother, grandmother, auntie and friend. She was the Matriarch of our family!” said Vasquez’s family on her GoFundMe page.

The Vasquez ohana waited ten days to discover the fate of their beloved Angelita.

“Our Angelita’s life was taken by the fire,” said her family. “As our family grieves this tragic loss, we would like to give her the proper memorial that she deserves.”

Identified on Aug. 17:

Donna Gomes (71) of Lahaina

Gomes was born in Lahaina and lived around the corner from where she was born.

“As a child she played there with all of her siblings and cousins,” reads Gomes’s GoFundMe page that has been set up by her family. “She would tell us found memories about her childhood there.”

According to her family, she worked with the Maui Police Department as a POA from which she retired.

“As she tried to flee from the wildfires that were sweeping through beloved Lahaina, she lost her life on Lahainaluna road right in front of the Rickard Ohana home,” said her family.

She was known by friends and family to be a very strong and independent woman who had the biggest heart that was full of full of ‘tough love’ for the ones she cared about.

“Some of her oldest friends know her as “the bull”. No one could tell her what to do and, in the end, not even the fires,” explained her family. “She is deeply missed by so many. We love you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Identified on Aug. 16:

Melva Benjamin (71) Lahaina

Virginia Dofa (90) Lahaina

Known as Vergie to her friends and family, Virginia Dofa fell victim the tragic wildfires on Maui. She was living at Hale Mahaolu.

“There were no alarms, no sirens, no evacuation plan until it was too late,” said Dofa’s family on her GoFundMe page. “The system failed our loved ones and a lot of lives and homes has been taken away from us.”

Alfredo Galinato (79) Lahaina

The Galinato brothers told KHON2.com they were both off-island when the Lahaina fire started.

“He worked so hard for the family to get the house from the ground up our childhood was there. Born and raised and I know it’s from his heart he wanted to stay back and fight it too you know,” said Joshua Galinato, son of Alfredo Galinato.

The last time they heard from their father, he was spraying water on his home as flames and smoke started approaching.

“My brother James was there trying to get him out of there he just told him to just go,” Joshua continued. “And he tried to get him, but the smoke was too much. And he just left him with the best smile he just said go.”

The 79-year-old Lahaina resident left behind his spirit filled with aloha.

“From being the parrot man at the Westin. He took care of the birds and gardening there too. He was just the aloha of the hotel too and he was just great grandpa to kids Zendaya and Preston. Dad he likes to joke around and be funny and that’s where I got it from. Kind, generous, helpful outgoing nice to everyone around him,” said John Galinato, son of Alfredo.

A GoFundMe was set up for the Galinato to support.

Identified on Aug. 15:

Robert Dyckman (74) of Lahaina

Buddy Jantoc (79) of Lahaina – Krysta Jantoc told KHON2 officials told her family that her grandfather Buddy was found in his apartment. She said her grandfather loved to play music and enjoyed playing small gigs in Lahaina.