Save The Date:
8th Annual MAHALO First Responders Dinner
Wed., Nov. 13, 2024 - 5-7:30PM - Kahilu Town Hall
Free and all invited! Please check back for more details or just come!
7th Annual MAHALO First Responders Dinner November 15, 2023
“Whether it’s the Sayre Foundation donating millions to upgrade wildland fire equipment, firefighters from different agencies who respond even when a fire is not in their jurisdiction, or the volunteers who protect their neighbors’ homes and property, it’s hard to overstate the contributions Hawaii Island first responders have on our communities,” said Nancy Carr Smith, who led WCA’s planning for this year’s first responders’ dinner. “We are always in their debt for their service.”
Conveying the Waimea community's warm aloha, condolences and gratitude to the family of the late Waiki'i Volunteer Fire Capt. Steve Grasso (who we lost just a day or so before the MAHALO event), family friend Leslie Matsuda was asked to deliver the large photo of Steve with lei to the family. The photo (which can be seen in the next post) was taken at the recent blessing dedication of a slick new off road water tanker custom designed to fight wildfires which was gifted to the Waiki'i Volunteers by the Daniel Sayre Foundation. Steve's wife and family were very grateful for the photo and flowers. Rest in Aloha Steve.
Maui on our mind…and sincere Gratitude…
Aloha Waimea Community Association Members & Friends -
We reiterate our shared sadness and aloha for the people of Maui and their extended ‘ohana there, here and elsewhere. “Maui Strong!” says a lot and they will need our support and focused attention for years to come.
We also extend warmest aloha to our island’s first responders – their incredibly good, albeit extraordinarily challenging hard work under extreme conditions made a huge difference to protecting lives and property here.
We also thank the donors who have helped our fire responders have the equipment and training to do and be their best. Our Hawaiʻi County fire department’s crews, facilities, equipment, training and communications, including volunteers, need more support – but this is a conversation for another day.
As you may know, WCA with your help and that of over 150 individual donations including numerous Waimea restaurants, businesses, and churches, delivered almost 1,000 fresh meals day after day to feed our first responders – “fueling” them and also helping them know their hard work and willingness to put themselves at risk is appreciated. Community kokua also enabled us to host the 7th Annual MAHALO First Responders dinner.
Special thanks to the following restaurants, businesses and groups who helped feed our fire fighters during the fire days: KTA, L&L, Earl’s, Ippys, Melanie Holt and Tim Bostock, Imiola Church, Pau Pizza, Pueo’s Osteria, Jaw Jacker Grindz and The Fish and the Hog. Also on hand to assist with efforts at the Waimea Community Center were Waimea Resilience Hub, Mana Christian ‘Ohana and Hawai’i Island Food Basket. In a separate effort, World Central Kitchen partnered with the chefs at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and additional meals were prepared for firefighters and delivered by Waimea Community Association board members.
Also, special thanks to the following restaurants for their kokua with our First Responders dinner: Earls, Ippys, Pa’ina by Ocean, Mauna Kea Resort, Big Island Brewhaus, Dom DeLucas, Merrimans, Pau Pizza, Red Water Cafe, Hawaiian Style Cafe, The Fish & The Hog, Moa Kitchen, Tropical Dreams, Puako Store, Two Ladies Kitchen, Starbucks, Foodland and KTA.
Together we were blessed to be able to make this happen – this is “who” Waimea is…it is this community’s heritage to care for one another.
As we move forward, there are many sad, painful, urgent lessons to be learned, and we intend to be front and center in advocating for much improved prevention and preparedness.
Mahalo for your aloha for Waimea and your support.
A hui hou –
James Hustace
President
2022 MAHALO First Responders!
