A family of four who died in the Maui fires has been identified as relatives and friends gathered to mourn the tragic loss.
Faaso and Malui Fonua Tone were on Maui with their daughter, Salote Takafua, and grandson, Tony Takufa, when a massive wildfire took over the coastal town of Lahaina and made its place as the deadliest wildfire in modern US history by claiming nearly one hundred lives.
According to the reports, Faaso and Malui attempted to escape the flames in their car but got trapped in the blaze on their way to their home.
All four family members were killed by fire and their bodies were discovered on Thursday.
“On behalf of our family, we bid aloha to our beloved parents, Faaso and Malui Fonua Tone, as well as our dear sister Salote Takafua and her son, Tony Takafua,” their surviving family members wrote in a tribute.
“The magnitude of our grief is indescribable, and their memories will forever remain etched in our hearts.”
The heartbreaking news comes as the community of Lahaina came together at Wailuku’s Maui Coffee Attic to pray in unity for the deceased residents and those left without a roof over their heads.
The service was led by pastor Arza Brown whose church – Grace Baptist Church – burned to the ground in the blaze.
Meanwhile, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green confirmed that the government is working around the clock to provide the victims of the fire with temporary housing.
“Airbnb is going to offer us hundreds of typically short-term rentals in a longer-term capacity, so we can put people into a place for months,” he said.
The governor added: “It will certainly be the worst natural disaster that Hawaii ever faced.
“We can only wait and support those who are living. Our focus now is to reunite people when we can and get them housing and get them healthcare, and then turn to rebuilding.”
As of this writing, the authorities continue searching for survivors and bodies across the island and the areas affected by the “fire hurricane.”
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