Extended interview: Maui wildfire survivor waited days for help

With no cell phone reception, Kawena Kahula drove into Lahaina to find her son last week unaware of the danger that awaited her. She spoke with CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti about what happened next.
Editor's Note: Kahula later told CBS News she reunited with her son and both are physically doing well.
#news #hawaii #maui
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[@CBSNews]

Editor's Note: Kahula later told CBS News she reunited with her son and both are physically doing well.

[@StofleTheBadger]

They were left hangin big time bruh, just makes me mad! Nothing was done right! I’m glad she and her son are healing now. 🙏🏻 🇺🇸

[@discgolfrocks]

Thank God

[@elizabethlee5633]

Thank You Lord!!!

[@shontemurchison6116]

Omg thank you Lord!

[@mr.l520]

what about her husband?

[@antoniothompson5514]

"It's a bad dream....." That sentence hit so hard! Praying for strength for you Maui, Hawaii!

[@HighPriestessAngelique]

The fact they don’t want us to see the truth from survivors on social media means KEEP WATCHING AND LISTENING. Something is up here, I know it is. I can feel it.

[@makeithappen6212]

Yes, agree. Common sense tells us something is very wrong

[@Holyrighteousandfree]

Absolutely yes

[@hammieinvestigations5392]

Something is terribly wrong. I believe it was a high-energy microwave fire, it was not a normal forest fire.

[@Bayoubebe]

As someone who lives in South Louisiana and has been through a few major disasters of hurricane nature….I will tell you all, prepare for anything because you are on your own. The government will not save you nor do they really care. We are lucky here bc ppl are generous and practiced in helping their neighbors, and we usually have some time to prepare. This is a heartbreaking story, especially to hear about the children.

[@lyndashempoil256]

you nailed it the government does not care about us little people

[@Cthomas5678]

Yep better prepare to care for yourself and family and your neighbors bc ain’t nobody coming

[@luvdylanstar]

I live in NW Florida on the coast and you are right about being prepared and to have evacuation plans ready or stay in place plans. Having just survived Hurricane Michael, we quickly realized that there was no way for anyone to reach so many people in need. We had to reach out to neighbors, there was no outside communication for many days, all the cell phone towers were down, some, like Verizon were literally gone and that is what all of our local police and fire were on. All the roads were impassable, flooding, huge trees, buildings and cars blocked the roads, electric polls snapped like toothpicks, my point, there's not always a way for the government to come marching in to save the day. It takes time to make sure everything is safe and to clear roads. There's no gas, no store's, no banks, pretty much nothing!! After a few days, there's signs of outside help, but they must evaluate and set up triage, water and basic foods, medical, chainsaws, door to door searches. It all takes time. There were 1000's of electric trucks lined up on the highway from all over the country, bug until there are roads to get here on, they had to wait. We expect our government to react swiftly and I know as soon as the Governor makes a request, help is on the way. Biden was on it within 6 hours and I know that seems like forever, but it's not. Now is the time to stay positive and let the families gather their deceased and mourn all that they have lost without adding to their pain. Let them tell their stories, mist of us were not there and have no story to tell. Sometimes it's kinder to listen and not criticize until they have time to mourn.

[@54pjs]

You are so Right the GOV could care less about you and this Country VERY EVIL DARK AGENDA?

[@jagodah1130]

@@lyndashempoil256it is time to change that!

[@dv8media219]

The survivor is so strong willed and honest, calm and well spoken. God bless you.

[@deliacall4826]

As an RV park manager for many years, I totally relate to being there for her guests and staff and putting her own emotions on the back burner. I hope she knows how great she is. She did a great job. Thank God she made it.

[@johnhaas9984]

If you have been waiting for answers from Maui's local politicians, or even the Fed government, I think this lady just answered them for everyone. The response to this tragedy is obscene, and the local government should be held to account for every non-action during this horrible event. God bless this woman and all of those affected by the fire.

[@justice_2871]

This is the saddest story I’ve ever heard. I’m so upset and angry for the lack of preparation and planning on the part of the local and state govt . This is a clear and tragic failure of oversight. Maui is world renowned for is beauty and rich culture. The people deserved better than this and this should never happen again!

[@elenen4741]

Oh there was no lack of planning. This disaster with the DEW was a planned land grab. I hope the people of Lahaina can stand up to it and get back on their land, even if they have to pitch a tent. Lysol live video of a white-haired man that was trying to get back to his land and the evil police wouldn't let him.😡

[@ahill4642]

I’m so happy for this amazing woman’s family that she survived. ❤️

[@saravannote7920]

This is a Leader !!! She did more for her community and kept her head up for everyone around her !!! May god bless you !!!

[@arieschick1]

Most stunning account. Divine intervention saved this lady. Government failure at many levels. Jonathan Vigliotti is bringing us the real story with his incredible interviews.

[@ellestar2306]

​@IDontBuyIt50save your comment for never, buster

[@davidcanatella4279]

The military didn’t fail. They carried out orders perfectly.

[@The.Adept.Chamber]

To be clear: 1. The people of Lahaina were told by the "officials" (earlier that day) that the fires (which some say were caused by down power lines); "Officials" told Lahaina residents that the fires were 100% contained (therefore people acted as if the fires were 100% contained ). 2. It's a lame excuse from "officials" that turning on the sirens might cause confusion (low key confession that it was deliberate). Many children were home alone (due to closed schools); Many people (including elders) were asleep; Sirens would have woke them up. 3. Hold the "officials" accountable for their incompetence. Not only is this hurricane and wildfire season; The evacuation "officials" (who are in charge of proper evacuation procedures) were off the island. 4. Not clear (at all) how "climate change" is related to this incident (as some have been suggesting). 5. Expose the criminal impact concerning the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation (not colonization) of the Hawaiian Kingdom; Since 1893.

[@YouRemindMeOfTheBabe.]

It was really the guy on the motorcycle that saved this lady...

[@The.Adept.Chamber]

@IDontBuyIt50 My comments: 1. We, scientists, are to follow facts and evidence in order to find where they lead. 2. I am confident. 3. Logic is the Science for testing One's beliefs and statements in order to find whether they are valid or not. 4. The Public Record. 5. See the NEA (National Education Association) report about the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 6. See the ICC (International Criminal Court) report on the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 7. Exposing the criminal impact concerning the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom; Since 1893. [What are the rules pertaining to the responsibilities of an occupying power during an occupation?]

[@Kdw849]

As a retired federal emergency manager, the leadership of Hawaii and Maui failed. It breaks my heart to see such inadequate response before, during, and after this catastrophe. What scares me more is the fact that as bad as this tragedy was/is, emergency plans include scenarios far worse than this incident. If EM cannot adequately handle this tragedy, how will they ever handle a multi-location or multi hazard incidents?

[@kategarcia3585]

Why didn't the navy go in to help the two islands?

[@Kdw849]

@@kategarcia3585 the Governor would have had to activate the national guard but few sea assets are in the national guard. Government entities do have the power to execute quick contracts. While leaders may be using this option now (unknown based on news), every tourist boat company could have been quickly contracted to provide sea logistics support. Same with tourist air assets. Sadly, we’ll eventually learn of the lack of actions by leadership directly impacted the high number of casualties.

[@AlexandraNevermind]

Based on you experience, please share your thoughts on the use of sirens in this circumstance. The officials are saying that the sirens are for tsunami warnings and may have resulted in pushing people into the danger rather than away from it.

[@Kdw849]

@@AlexandraNevermind hindsight is always easier than being in the chaos. I would have used the siren and every single available notification possible. Since the EM was off island, he obviously had no real idea of the tragedy unfolding on Maui. There may have been a very early point in the incident that people hearing the alarm wouldn’t understand that the hazard was fire and not tsunami but that point passed very quickly. People are trained to evacuate. Once the fire was out of control, every means of notification was necessary-even the siren.

[@AlexandraNevermind]

@@Kdw849 I appreciate your insight. It’s so unfortunate that we can never seem to learn from past experiences with catastrophic events. Actually it’s more likely that Leadership simply does not care.

[@actorsinsider9967]

Such an incredibly strong woman. God bless her and family. So glad she got out.

[@StoneyBoy-dy3tu]

Thank you so much for saything that to my mom

[@babs2424-p8e]

Lahaina is a crime scene, crime committed from the government and local officials. Those people where left to die! Why are those people, this government still in charge? My heart's broken

[@gabos7892]

Something fishy about this fire, many residents speak on how their water was turned off before/during the fire, how the government isn't doing anything to help and also not allowing others to provide help and from what I hear from friends and family in Hawaii, the death count is much higher than they are reporting.....after the smoke settles, I'm interested to see what explanations they have.

[@mamat1213]

Thank you for letting her SPEAK!!! 😭💔🙏🏽

[@bonniethompson3496]

Yes! What a gracious and respectful interview... deeply affecting: obvious pain expressed with great dignity.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

HINT: of course she waited days, this was no accident! no sirens, no phone alerts, no radio alerts, no tv news alerts, no water in hydrants, fire chief and 2nd commander off the island? this is TOO SUSPICIOUS!!

[@mahealani8930]

Governor outa state on vacation. EMR leader off island. Fire Chief off island. Even President Biden off on vacation. There was no one to make the hard and quick EMERGENCY decisions in a timely effort. Can you just imagine how much burned, and how many lives were taken, in the time it took just to contact ONE of these persons?

[@annehedonia156]

There are no coincidences.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

not any more...@@annehedonia156

[@adevore1971]

​@@mahealani8930it's sickening how sinister this all is

[@K1TT3NSRULE]

Honest, pure, raw first hand account of what locals experienced during this nightmare. The fear, uncertainty and concern for loved ones... 💔😭 My heart is broken for Lahaina and as she said, we all fear the list.

[@donnariggs1567]

DISGRACEFUL ON THE LEADERS..BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS....GOD BLESS THIS WOMAN WHAT COURAGE AND TENACITY ....HEROES COME FOR THE LEAST EXPECT PLACES JUST WANT TO GIVE HER A HUG...PEOPLE THIS COULD BE YOUR THE TRAIN WRECK IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE THEY ARE SHOWING YOU IN PLAIN SIGHT@!

[@olgacharnolusky4561]

Pure soul. Real hero.❤

[@michaelarmajo4572]

"I'm already thinking of ways for the state to acquire that land so that we can put it into workforce housing, to put it back into families, or make it open spaces in perpetuity as a memorial to the people who were lost," Green said while standing amongst the rubble. - Gov John Green is doing a Land Grab!

[@Lczzy]

Hawaiians are full of heart. My heart breaks for them 💔 God bless

[@silviatrejo864]

Now she is a first responder, she helped with sheltering and feeding people in her job place, blessings, I’m so sorry everything you went through 😔🙏🏼❤️

[@rollerskatertexasgirl]

She is absolutely a Hero ❤

[@conniehadley1892]

This is such an A+ interview . Excellent questions, allowing her to answer in her time.

[@Sandra-yq2bi]

It is truely heartwrenching hearing this survivor speak of the children crying/screaming and elderly crawling on the ground begging for someone to pick them up and help them. Lord please give them comfort and healing.

[@queencuisine8397]

God bless her her heart is pure!

[@jessicasnaplesfl7474]

Exceptional interview. I actually FELT this woman's emotions with her as she tried to get to her son in Lahaina, and afterwards, as a survivor who, for 2 days, knew nothing of what was happening to her home, family, friends, or associates while waiting for some outside aid that never came.

[@reishimama]

I'm only just over two minutes in and I'm balling. I have four boys. The panic I feel picturing not being with your children and knowing if they're okay is surreal. Justice for Maui.

[@salu-wahinedickson7238]

What an amazing woman! Thank God you reunited with your son... bless you

[@martikagarcia6948]

I'm halfway through the video and I was still wondering about her son after reading your comment. Now I know her son is okay.

[@marialindell9154]

​@@martikagarcia6948 How do you know her son is okay? We haven't yet heared the woman speak about him herself. We haven't even been shown her son on camera yet...

[@kat8838]

Imagine the fire in the future with all electric vehicles burning for days. It's a new experiment on us yet we know it's a disaster.

[@Mrsbehavin59]

Very true going to be very interesting…..

[@dianaleone1605]

If this is an actual CBS News video, I am astonished that the interviewed woman was never named, the hotel was not named, the obvious question of when she spoke to her son and husband was never asked, and context about how close her hotel was to Lahaina town and the fires was not provided. It was as if CBS News distributed unedited uncaptioned information. Neither was the interviewer identified. Curious. And unprofessional.

[@terrimakley3366]

What happened to her son ? and husband???

[@jacquib256]

I BELIEVE CBS NEWS ARE ONE OF THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA CHANNELS WHO REPORT THE TRUTH OF SAID CONSPIRACY THEORIES AS MISINFORMATION! THEY ARE ON THE DEMOCRATS

[@bonniethompson3496]

All those factual details would have detracted from the sensitive and gracious intent of the interview. This woman was treated with respect and human kindness rather than given an uncaring examination. Unimportant facts can WAIT. They won't disappear and they are not critical to her account. She courageously offered her story to benefit all who can listen. I am grateful to her and to the considerate man who spoke carefully with her! 13:49 13:49

[@drea6717]

I just want to hug this woman, my goodness this is the most devastating disaster I’ve ever seen, may God be with every one of them😭🙏🏼

[@discgolfrocks]

What a kind hearted lady, God bless her and her family and all the people in Lahaina

[@lisamushow5974]

Unbelievable! This Mayor should be ashamed of himself!! Our Government too!

[@cherissenichole702]

Omg... Prayers for everyone on the island. I cannot imagine with all that going on to be saving face for tourists.

[@mikegross6107]

I wish I was that interviewer, that woman would have gotten a huge hug from me! I'm sure she needed one! And just listening to her and what she went through makes me think she is a Christian because she admitted to calling upon the Savior for help and guidance and she received it!

[@Kaleenas2]

I wish I could give that brave, strong woman a hug! My heart is hurting so much for her and all of Maui and her people!

[@BlackStump172]

She is humble and a very smart woman .

[@ladyyounique83]

As a working parent, I cannot imagine the fear and panic inside your mind trying to get to your babies and then out. And not knowing which direction it’s coming from. My heart breaks for Maui. Hawaii will always have a special place in my heart. My grandparents raised me and took me there twice. Being Latino, the Hawaiian people loved my pops because of his personality and color- saying he looked Hawaiian himself. And he did. They are beautiful caring people. Who for years Their land is being taken. And even now, In this desperate time and after losing everything. Vultures asking to currently buy their property. SMH such a shame. My prayers are with the Maui people.😢😢😢

[@robyn7165]

Worse yet the parents were told not to bring their kids to school at 10pm the night prior, so most of the kids were at home because of some BS story about a power outage. Their siren for ALL emergencies was not used and the water was turned off.

[@jayoue1515]

@@robyn7165 … and the police were given orders to block front street, not allowing the cars to leave!!!

[@robyn7165]

@@jayoue1515 Such a blatant land grab and attempted extermination of the native people. Heart breaking and I have a similar situation is unfolding in my back yard in Canada. The gov did a 14km backburn which almost killed people and flattened houses and businesses. Now the water is turned off in areas and nobody is allowed in and out. The devastating backburn is "climate change" of course.

[@beatrixkiddo5]

Bull dozers and real estate developers already there and destroying their sacred cemeteries. They claim there's pollution, I suspect that's us

[@michaelgoh5830]

Living in a country and in the state of Victoria that had experienced similar event (Back Saturday of Feb 2009 where 173 perished), I truly feel for the people of Lahaina. To those lucky ones who survived the fire, please stay strong!

[@dalaniekolakowski181]

She is amazing……this interview is so powerful. 🙏💕

[@steviegr36]

All my tears for the victims and their families.....

[@Levi-em6ym]

So brave, a real life hero of the people. God bless.

[@nicollejones6133]

There was a police officer stopping traffic. A homeless man walking saw this. He asked the officer why aren’t you letting the cars go. The officer said he was following orders.

[@jmc-xp6ml]

Hawaii Real Estate channel. Man’s name is “Fish.”

[@PeggyAmaya]

the Nazis were just following orders.

[@ainohikari5704]

It's too painful to have to go through such a tragedy on Maui. Please take care yourself. Hug each other and hag yourself. I will prey for you and send healing.

[@peanutButterJe11y]

It sounds like a war zone. Witnessing someone/living things burning is horrific.

[@gracetou8963]

They did to the people in New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. We has no water for 3 days and people died. Yet there was every way to get help to the people.

[@maikailoa808]

Stay strong maui We love you .our hearts and prayers are with you. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@princessleia1633]

Stay strong, Maui. God is with you. Love and prayers. ❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@nantibbs834]

Is it true over 1,000 Dead? They are only telling 100 why? God bless you all. Lord please make whom ever caused this pay for what they did. No alarm they didn't have a chance! God be with every family! ❤

[@eachandeverything1836]

I admire her strength. God Bless everyone affected. 🙏🏻

[@livmor725]

NOT ONLY did they ZERO notifications from the sirens but they had NO internet connection or a way to get notifications on their phones?!?!? This makes NO sense! Meanwhile in Silicon Valley they're working on all kinds of "technological innovations/AI"?!?!? Yet The Hawaiian People experience an unexpected disastrous event and are left in the dark?!? Where are the "LEADERS" who are responsible for PREPARING for such a thing and WHY didn't they do their job?!?!? WHO is going to PRISON for this?!?!? WHO is going to be held responsible?!?!?

[@maryalicemoore138]

This is classic Hawaiian incompetence. Prayers to you.

[@mahealani8930]

They were on vacation or off island at a "conference" with FEMA. Go figure.... true story, even the President of the US of A was on vacation so slow to respond and act. Proves that the 2nd in all of these commands are NOT as competent as should be perhaps?

[@hollylange4967]

Those that purchased extra insurance days before

[@Cat-xs6os]

Bless everyone watching the Hawaiian Islands catastrophe because it shows you care and their recovery matters!!!! Everyone please meditate and send healing, glorious light, and strength to the people of the Hawaiian Islands❣️ Long live the people 🌬

[@kelleycustomartistry5542]

Prayers for this family and her experience. I can’t begin to imagine what kind of trauma this disaster would have on her and the entire island. I’m just so sorry that things weren’t done correctly and that there are still waiting for help. 🙏🏼

[@NamelessVoice808]

Sis, it’s been 5 days since your interview and we still only have a handful of victims publicly released. Please stay strong and know all of Hawai’i will continue to come through during these tragic times.

[@MrDXRamirez]

Not using the airport nearby and the ocean front to the hotel are going to be the main subject of the investigation.

[@GreenWitch1]

I live on Oahu & my heart is broken for these people. I still cry everyday wondering why, god, why. Please send donations to the Hawaii Community Foundation, nowhere else! Please help! People are trying to steal their land and it’s unimaginable.

[@meo21626]

Thanks for the info about where to send donations.

[@alisabecker2411]

And the Red Cross I've read hasn't been that much help! Disgraceful!

[@one2beeluved]

​@@alisabecker2411red cross isn't good at all.

[@laurenpool8367]

God bless this woman and all the people of Maui. This is so heartbreaking and devastating. I pray for all of the families who have children and loved ones still missing.

[@keeperofthelists4771]

Will the government be held accountable for not being prepared?

[@labradormom1]

Interviewer was a very compassionate man with as much delicacy in asking hard, to answer questions. I can't begin to put together the feelings I have for these people and for those that deliberately failedin every way. Never thought I would this disgust, anger shame for believing politicians over the years,more thoughts that I dare not put in words. If you are a Believer, End Times are here now. I take solace in knowing our Father is purging this world He made because Evil has permeated everything. I pray I won't live to see the destruction that is in its infancy. I pray for those who don't know Jesus Christ and don't want to know Him. I pray that Christians around the world are able to share the love and forgiveness He has for us. He will be coming soon with a wrath that defies description. A human being doesn't have the capacity to envision the tortures they will live through..there will be NO ESCAPE through death. Praying for the people in Maui who have been abandoned by their governing bodies. Money grabbing politicians/land grabbing*#"* vy are circling like vultures. God help them.

[@rosesummers5075]

As a person with indigenous background you have to ask is the suppression of "I am important " related to the unbelievable amount of "waiting " ? Remember and never forget you are important. Why didn't the air force of Hawaii bring in medical, pharmaceutical, latrines, water, food and physical help they have Hickam, Hawaii, pacific and the national guard.?

[@kategarcia3585]

Or nearby navy?

[@auntielifeadvice6081]

What a brave and amazing woman! She is so well spoken, has the common sense that our government is lacking and has so much compassion! Her faith is what stands out most to me. I pray for her and all those affected by this horrible tragedy. 🙏 😢

[@delgadojmar]

This reporter was excellent and allowed her to tell her tragic story. He was very kind yet direct.

[@s-faithmorefaith6324]

She has a brave heart.

[@mamabear2277]

I literally broke down crying after I watched her deliver her story. God certainly was with this dear woman. Im heartbroken for Lahaina. Many of us in the states are with you all and the donations that first were collected were not allowed to be delivered in to you all. God knows. This was so wrong. BIG LOVE RAIN DOWN ON THE PEOPLE OF MAUI. ♥️🙏✝️☮️

[@pamelabond8395]

All so heartbreaking💔😢💔 God bless this woman, her family an the citizens of Maui!

[@purawalker2537]

Can go to war but can't save your own people? Wow what a set up!

[@dawncrossland3028]

Bless her Heart! The Most Raw & Real Interview yet. God Bless You & Your Beautiful Homeland.

[@hr5331]

Little did she know she was being corralled in to Lahiana. Which is what other survivors are reporting 🤔

[@donbrown1284]

Does anybody else feel there's something missing -- like what happened to her son waiting for her after practice on the first day?

[@liualoe]

Yes, wondering too. Thanks for asking.

[@katiaaskildt7830]

Someone else was able to pick him up.

[@Bayoubebe]

Yes

[@gingersnapjudy]

They were reunited. He is ok... at least unharmed from the fire.

[@traciannveno]

This disaster is so big, everyone has to help.

[@paulaousley2012]

This is so terrible, so scary. So many lost there lives because of this fire. I feel so bad for all the dead and their families, also for the ones that survived this disaster. There has to be a change, information needs to be out there for these people to know what options they have. No communication. God bless every person that have lost love one and friends, God bless the survivers.

[@woollab]

Was it mentioned whether her husband and son were safe? Did I miss it?

[@marlenearnett431]

Mahalo Jonathan for helping her tell her story!

[@sallythibodeaux7992]

Our federal government should have stepped up the day after the fire! US aircraft could have brought in food and water with necessities, this is an injustice to Maui! POTUS didn’t seem to be very concerned either.😡

[@Tabbyb.1418]

😢 Gof I felt her sadness and heartbreak 💔... I am so devastated for her and Maui.

[@biancakarteron5620]

I'm disappointed in government. The rich people neighborhood had no fire damage. Police blocked exits!

[@karenhoward9114]

Never let them take your parents land from your children

[@susanlucas1125]

God Bless this woman...

[@arialtamirano8501]

Ive been looking forward to visit Oahu for my honeymoon in September but im so sad for Lahaina 😞Continued prayers 🙏🏽🤍 and God please bless this woman, please help her and her family 🙏🏽❤️

[@annasampson9154]

You should still go. They need money. Go with a humble heart. There to eat and pray and give blessings.

[@Whitey2716]

You do know that’s a completely different island, right?

[@marialindell9154]

Please go to Lahaina as a turist, to support the locals businesses over there❣️🙏🙏🙏

[@sandranelson8445]

My heart goes out to her and everyone there. Prayers.

[@nancynutt7632]

Bless her heart. I’m so proud of you.

[@diana7676]

What happened to her son ? Where does she live ?

[@deva3s]

This. This! This is all I could think while I watched. Is her son alive. I cried, wondering where is her son.

[@jmc-xp6ml]

@@deva3s yes, son is ok.

[@Bluebell117]

@@jmc-xp6mlSo happy to hear they are safe 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@evelynfrench804]

Thank God you were in the right place to learn about the situation ahead of you in Lahaina.

[@slewfoot6608]

id rather our tax money go to helping these, OUR PEOPLE in need than some DAMN foriegn WAR!

[@SourPickleKing]

We need to fight to find out the truth about Maui for the survivors. This is getting out of control. How many more lives will be lost and how many lives will be ruined. This should have never happened!!

[@kanderson2145]

Incredible woman.

[@famc711]

This reporter can not be stopped for continuing to ask questions. And forget the officials they’re making excuses. This brave woman & other survivors are sharing their heartbreaking story on what actually happened that day. The roads were open to get into Lahaina but there were so many trapped trying to get out! This doesn’t make sense. All of it! Please please continue to ask questions. The devastating stories of the survivors provides more information. All the love & prayers to Maui ❤️🙏🏼

[@rsa9082]

Absolutely insane the police chief said. They didn’t have “Real time information “!!! Absolutely disgusting they let these people down and blocked roads off trapping people in their cars to be burned to death! Heart wrenching.

[@vjp4699]

DID HER SON MAKE IT? I PRAY TO❤💯 GOD THAT HE AND HER HUSBAND❤💯 MADE IT OUT SAFELY. 🙏 AMEN❤💯 PRAYERS TO THE ENTIRE ISLAND❤💯

[@belamoure]

Remember Katrina ? Governments are heavy, slow, loaded with lawyers and will move slowly to be sure not to be sued afterwards. It's the same everywhere. Kudos to that lady who took on herself to be strong clearheaded and ration food for children first.

[@aveaguila7679]

The Democrat governor decided not to evacuated the are of Katrina. Here in Maui not alarm system, not Text messages, not military rescue never show up.... think 🤔

[@UrMomsChauffer]

I unfortunately believe Maui will get the same treatment New Orleans received, which was minimal. It's been 20 years and nothing has changed

[@PeggyAmaya]

Like Katrina, hurricanes Sandy in '12 and Maria in '17 were a bungled embarrassment by governments and NGOs along the Atlantic. They also had every appearance of being land grabs eliminating the poor and native populations.

[@marilynevans8436]

The level of incompetence surrounding the Hawaiian disaster is incomprehensible. And Biden, relaxing on the beach as our proud 50th state is burning,people are dying, is beyond anything

[@vickiehardina8824]

So sad for all this tragedy brave woman god bless all of the people of Lahaina Maui prayers from Cabo San Lucas mexico 😢😢

[@The.Adept.Chamber]

1. The people of Lahaina were told by the "officials" (earlier that day) that the fires (which some say were caused by down power lines); "Officials" told Lahaina residents that the fires were 100% contained (therefore people acted as if the fires were 100% contained ). 2. It's a lame excuse from "officials" that turning on the sirens might cause confusion (low key confession that it was deliberate). Many children were home alone (due to closed schools); Many people (including elders) were asleep; Sirens would have woke them up. 3. Hold the "officials" accountable for their incompetence. Not only is this hurricane and wildfire season; The evacuation "officials" (who are in charge of proper evacuation procedures) were off the island. 4. Not clear (at all) how "climate change" is related to this incident (as some have been suggesting). 5. Expose the criminal impact concerning the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation (not colonization) of the Hawaiian Kingdom; Since 1893.

[@PacificMoceans]

@@The.Adept.Chamber😢😢😢😢😢

[@tabp8448]

​@@The.Adept.Chamber💯💯💯💯💯 💔💔💔

[@The.Adept.Chamber]

Much Respect: 1. See the NEA (National Education Association) report on the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 2. See the NLG (National Lawyers' Guild) report on the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 3. See the ICC (International Criminal Court) report on the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 4. Exposing the criminal impact concerning the 130 year U.S. illegal occupation (not colonization) of the Hawaiian Kingdom (since 1893). 5. Relevant Question: What exactly are the rules (in accordance with Hawaiian Kingdom Law and International Law) pertaining to the responsibilities of an occupying power during a belligerent occupation?

[@micpoll7]

I'm so grieved over this, I'm am so amazed and grateful that she and family are safe. Yes, our government was THE MOST lax and culpable for this tragedy:No sirens, No water No aid and many, many unresolved questions. So so tragic!

[@mamabear2277]

God bless this woman. She is very brave telling her story. Many times I feel she wanted to cry but held it together. And to be a leader at the hotel trying to keep everyone calm was just amazing. I pray 🙏 she finds her peace. God is with you honey.

[@donnatremblay2577]

A great leader and a hero! Praying for all the people of Maui. Interviewer was compassionate and allowed her to share her story.

[@CircaBEFORE]

Did I miss the part where she got her son? I’m waiting to hear if her son is ok?

[@user-em5bm2pn3r]

I don’t think she knows yet. They haven’t released a lot of names yet, and a lot of bodies are difficult to identify, because they are burnt badly. They also have only gone through about 33% of Lahaina. It is possible that they have passed, or don’t have reception…she is still most likely in the dark. I hope they are ok

[@patrickbooten9149]

They are reunited

[@alisabecker2411]

What is biden and our government doing for these American citizens? Not much from what I hear! Heartbreaking!!!😪

[@deerhoda7574]

Wonder if the interviewer understands the concepts of logistics? Are you a first responder? I think is an inflammatory question. This catastrophe is without precedent. And not once did he reinforce if husband and son were safe. May the people of Lahaina find peace.

[@hime273]

That's because he's interviewing a crisis actor, who is reciting a Script.

[@giclat1098]

She is no crisis actor! She is stronger and more honest than you could ever be! God bless her!

[@cady3997]

First responders to a disaster are first local, then state, then federal. So question should have been, did the state bring in supplies from the other islands via helicopter? The Feds sent national guard troops soon after to start recovery, I think the local and state governments were slow to respond. There was no disaster preparedness on any level here.

[@maryrnbsn5114]

​@@hime273proof

[@donnatremblay2577]

His question was trying to establish that she was not a skilled first responder, yet she intuitively behaved like one.

[@MsLinaPeanut]

i'm so angry, the government is barellly offering any help if you even call it that. Why are they offering more help to other countries than one of our states. These poor people are going through the worst right now. I cannot image the pain they are going through. All the loss they are enduring....

[@marialindell9154]

Good, you are getting there. Keep asking questions and you will eventually begin to understsnd the horrible truth. 😢

[@floridasbestliving3247]

11:11 "Whats your message to the county who from day one has said they are doing everything in their power to help?" It's clear they are doing everything in their power to avoid culpable negligence at the least, and something far more sinister at the worst. Now they have had the crime scene to themselves for a week...interesting they are already putting up "dust screens" to shield the road from viewing the aftermath as they already allow roaming tourist in (seen taking selfies with Lahaina town sign) but FAILED to send any critical supplies to west Maui from day 1. But they wont be able to shield themselves from the truth -- the whole world is watching, God is watching. God bless all the affected families who have lost everything, and the surivors/first responders giving everything such as this beautiful woman, Kawena Kahula her story she shares with the world. The rest of us shall make it a duty to bring truth and justice to these victims and their families into the well extended future and far past after the news media moves on to the next