Animal Welfare Professionals

Updated 5/20/24 at 3:20pm - Recording now available!

We hope to see you on the next Community Conversations call on Monday, 5/20/24 at 11am PT for a presentation titled, "E Komo Mai" with Officer @Moani Makaiwi from Maui Humane Society.

Moani Makaiwi, Maui Humane Society's Humane Enforcement Resource Officer (HERO), discusses the animal rescue response from the tragic Lahaina wildfires of August 8, 2023. Maui Humane Society served as the emergency response agency for animal rescue and sadly, recovery, and Officer Makaiwi's natural leadership and family connection to Lahaina were instrumental in saving so many lives. Despite challenges due to burn zone access and limited resources, more than 880 animals were rescued from the burn zone in the months following the devastation.

Learn more about Maui Humane Society's fire response and commitment to the Pets and People of Maui: https://www.mauihumanesociety.org/mhs-fire-response-efforts/

As always, this discussion thread will be updated with the recording and resources so you can watch and share whenever you'd like.  After you watch the recording on-demand or attend the call live, be sure to complete May 2024 entry form to enter to win up to a $5,000 grant: https://www.maddiesfund.org/weekly-community-conversations-may24-giveaway.htm

#DisasterRelief
#PetSupportServices*

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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Thank you to the 122+ people and pets who joined us on today's incredible Community Conversations call. The recording is now available to watch on-demand for those who missed it or would like to share. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible presenter @Moani Makaiwi for sharing your experience with us. Your compassion for your community and the way you sprung into action during the Lahaina fires is truly an inspiration. 

Call Recap

• Welcome from our hosts:
  • @Clare Callison, Director of National Operations, Austin/American Pets Alive
  • @Irene Chansawang, Senior Grant Specialist, Maddie's Fund
    
    
• Question of the day: How do you decompress, unwind or relax after a busy day?
  • "Hang out in the pool." - Alisa Mills
  • "Wine!" - June Thomas
  • "Walking, being outdoors" - Kate Marshall
  • "I craft, love working with my hands" - Sharon Fletcher
  • "Snuggle with my foster puppies" - Kimberly Laino
  • "Lots of walks and dance parties with my cats!" - Amber Eby
  • "Yoga and gardening" - Sara Fitzpatrick
  • "Exploring outside - fresh air!" - Sierra Kurth
  • "I'm a big reader!" - Michelle Pease
  • "Candy Crush" - Michaela Steen
  • "Exercise and reading" - Jodi Nohra
  • "Art of any kind!" - Alexis Pagoulatos
  • "Gardening" - Johanna Humbert
  • "Walk my doggies and enjoy a Margarita!" - Debra DeVries
  • "Walk my pups and try and really be present with them." - Steph Kendrick
  • "Gardening" - Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg
  • "Bath (with bath bomb and a good book)" - Erin Dams
  • "Reading escapist mystery" - June Thomas
  • "Taking walks in the park especially with my own dog." - Susan Leavitt
  • "Pet my cats, go for a bike ride, a nice relaxing shower" - Anita Selby
  • "I relax & unwind in my hammock or brush my horses and listen to them munch on dinner." - Claudia Labbe
  • "Music, cup of tea, my garden with my animals." - Geraldine D'Silva
  • "wine and hanging out with my cat. reading cozy fantasy books" - Amanda Gray
  • "These days, swimming with my newly adopted golden retriever puppy!" - Philip Zimmerman
  • "Watch the turtles on my pond. I made them a little 'island.'"- Donna Miller
  • "Audiobooks" - Alexis Pagoulatos
  • "Gym - grab camera and get my and snap some pics." - Mark Neff
  • "Love on my adopted street cats" - Teresa Williams
  • "I leave my phone on dnd, put on my tennis, leash one dog, put another in a stroller, and take us on a long walks and listen to the seasons. Sometimes, I take a beer in the stroller 🙂" - Aline Silva
  • "I build Lego sets!" - Elizabeth Iannelli
  • "I love to watch the NCISs and the FBIs... or reading is big for me. And walking and/or a quick nap with my greyhounds!" - Mary Flores
  • "I love to veg out with classic tv shows -- and loving on furbabies, of course." - Claire Walton
  • "A nice cup of coffee on the patio, walking on the beach" - Kimberly Laino
  • "Turn the phone off and unplug the computer!!!"
    
    
• Presentation: E Komo Mai w/Officer Moani Makaiwi from Maui Humane Society
  • @Moani Makaiwi, Humane Enforcement Resource Officer (HERO), Maui Humane Society 
  • Related Links:
    • E Ola Maui ("Long Live Maui") The song is about the strength and beauty of the people of Maui, and the community's unbreakable spirit. It also tells a story of resilience and hope. The song was created by the island's top songwriters.
      • Listen on Spotify where proceeds from each listen support the Lahaina community: https://open.spotify.com/album/35kU7T5tE7aX96Rtl65HGB?si=90jEXWhESPmOwyqN4qtzvg
        
        
• Highlights from the Chat
  • "I can't even imagine any of it" - Susan Leavitt
  • "I would have been crying, but the adrenaline had to be pumping" - Anita Selby
  • "'HERO' is fitting." - Sara Fitzpatrick
  • "Thank you for being a hero to so many during an extraordinary crisis filled with danger for yourself and your loved ones too. Going in again and again is a testament to your heart and heroism. Thank you." - Alexis Pagoulatos - HS of Utah
  • "That's incredible." - Erin Dams
  • "Pretty amazing what you did! Were there first responders at the scene to help with people and pets?" - Julielani Chang
  • "You were all phenomenal. I hope you all felt our prayers, grief, and support." - Claudia Labbe
  • "What an amazing human you are! The animals were so lucky you were there to respond. You truly thought things through and were able to give such an incredible response all on your own. Thank you for sharing your story I cannot even imagine what you went through." - Kristin Moro
  • "The emotional drain had to be huge, once you stepped back and looked." - Anita Selby
  • "Thank you for all you did for the animals and the people caught in this devastation. You are a true hero." - Kimberly Laino
  • "You are a beautiful person and a huge heart." - Anita Selby
  • "I cannot wrap my brain around such devastation and your wherewithal to do what you did." - Teresa Williams
  • "Thank you for sharing your story." - Stacy Beckley
  • "You are amazing. Thank you for sharing your story." - Laura Flamion
  • "Thank you for everything you did - both people and animals - you are amazing!" - Mark Neff
  • "You are AWESOME, Moani!" - Debra DeVries
  • "Thank YOU! <3" - Michelle Pease
  • "You are truly a HERO." - Charlotte Otero
  • "My camera is not working but you are AMAZING!" - Kristin Moro
  • "Thank you so much, Moani, for sharing your story... bless and keep you!!!" - Mary Flores
  • "Thank you for sharing!" - Michaela Steen
  • "👏 👏 👏 👏" - Martha Cassidy Geri
  • "Thank you for sharing your story!" - Kelly Clardy
  • "mahalo nui loa ♥️" - Kate Sawyer
  • "Thank you for sharing your story - that was amazing!" - Laura Reed
  • "Absolutely amazing work. Thank you." - Kimberly Laino
  • "Amazing. Thank you." - Betsy Ballenger
  • "Amazing ! Mahalo!" - Julielani Chang
  • "How are your emotions now after all of this?" - Anita Selby [answered live]
  • "Mahalo. Thank you for sharing your story, Moani. Much love to you and the people and pets of Maui." - Claire Walton
  • "Moani is a HERO in every sense of the word. Without her heroism, so many more animals' lives would have been lost… and because she saved the animals, she saved their people. I can't express how lucky we at Maui Humane Society are to have her and our dedicated team members ❤️" - Victoria Ivankic
  • "The cause of the fire was the power company's fault?" - Donna Miller
  • "Sooo, are you going to portray you in a NETFLIX movie?????" - Debra DeVries
  • "Good on you for calling that person out." - Teresa Williams
  • "Thank you so much for sharing, and for being an amazing person!" - Erin Dams
  • "Yes!!! Thank you SO much Moani!" - Amber Eby
  • "Thank you SO much for sharing what took place." - Susan Leavitt
  • "Please keep us posted on how we can continue to support you, and our Maui family (land, pets, and people)!" - Lola Victor
  • "Thank You, Again for an EXCELLENT presentation!" - Debra DeVries
  • "Have a beautiful couple of weeks. We'll see everyone back on June 3rd!" - Irene Chansawang

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Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her
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Unanswered question from the chat:

"What was the community response like? After a disaster there can be a large outpouring that dies out over time. Did you have people coming forward in a sustained way?" - Sara Fitzpatrick

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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We continue to have people from all over the world reaching out via our website or through our Amazon wish list to support our community including people planning their vacations around volunteering at our shelter or our Lahaina Resource center. With grant funding we have been able to continue also the supplies needed to those still displaced either living out of a hotel or an airbnb or in temporary housing including those that chose to move out of state. The support has and continue to be amazing. 

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Moani Makaiwi
Humane Enforcement Officer
Maui Humane Society
HI
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2024 04:02 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 5/20/24 - E Komo Mai with Officer Moani Makaiwi from Maui Humane Society

Unanswered question from the chat:

"What was the community response like? After a disaster there can be a large outpouring that dies out over time. Did you have people coming forward in a sustained way?" - Sara Fitzpatrick

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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Unanswered question from the chat:

"Did you ever meet any of the pet owners whose pets you helped save?" - Susan Leavitt

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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When I was ordered out of Lahaina, my last dog I found sitting in a pile of rubble had singed paws and underbelly was raw. She was so sweet but had no microchip. That night was my first night home (I live in a apartment), there was a knock on my door and my stepson answered. He came to my room and told me that there were 2 kids asking for me. I was exhausted and I wanted to tell him to tell them to come tomorrow, but I went to the door. It was my neighbor's downstairs kids, and they asked me if I had found a dog today and brought it to the shelter. I was of course so exhausted I initially said no but then I asked why. They proceeded to tell me that they were missing their dog from Lahaina, still it didn't ring any bells until I asked to see a picture. It was then I realized the last dog I brought out was theirs. 

I found their dog only 2 lots away from its home, and I can only assume that she was waiting on her people to find her. I found her in the middle of a collapsed 3 story structure that once help multiple businesses, and I had to coax her with beef jerky to come to me as I knew I could not walk in there. The kicker was that she was known to be aggressive towards humans which her family told me afterwards. 

The next day she was reunited with her family, and I got to see her once again but this time being pampered. The kids couldn't stop thanking me and every time they see me, I always get an update on her.

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Moani Makaiwi
Humane Enforcement Officer
Maui Humane Society
HI
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2024 04:02 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 5/20/24 - E Komo Mai with Officer Moani Makaiwi from Maui Humane Society

Unanswered question from the chat:

"Did you ever meet any of the pet owners whose pets you helped save?" - Susan Leavitt

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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Unanswered question from the chat:

"How were you all able to help the pets that were left in the homes when people were not allowed back for weeks?" - Roxane Fritz

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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Unanswered question from the chat:

"Moani- I'm sorry to hear about the loss and everything that you, your family, and your community have gone through. Are there any efforts in place to help those who have suffered this loss such as counseling, housing, food, etc.? And, are there plans for preventative measures during times of climate crisis in the future?" - Aline Silva

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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Aloha Aline! I can answer your great question from Maui Humane Society. In February, we opened the Lahaina Pet Resource Center, which is essentially a pet-focused "hub" on the West Side that offers any support needed - free food, supplies, housing support, veterinary support, etc. Our Wildfire Community Liaison, Johnny (who is a volunteer-turned-staff member, from the fires) will connect pet owners with whatever they need, all with the mission to keep pets with their 'ohanas. We expect to support the community for years to come with the generous fire donations we received, and likely even after then. The impact of this tragedy will surely touch all of Maui's animals indefinitely, in addition to the already challenging landscape of animal welfare everywhere, especially on the island.  

As for preventative measures for future emergencies like this, I do believe Maui County is considering various options for the other vulnerable parts of the island for future threats, though I do not know how deeply that goes. For MHS specifically, we are developing an Emergency Response Team of dedicated staff who will be trained in Animal Search & Rescue, pet and human first aid, emergency management, etc. This disaster certainly won't be our last and we are doing everything we can to prepare for that, as well as be a resource for our neighboring islands if needed.

Thank you for your kind words and question!

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Victoria Ivankic
Director of Marketing & Communications
Maui Humane Society
HI
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2024 04:04 PM
From: Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Subject: Community Conversations - 5/20/24 - E Komo Mai with Officer Moani Makaiwi from Maui Humane Society

Unanswered question from the chat:

"Moani- I'm sorry to hear about the loss and everything that you, your family, and your community have gone through. Are there any efforts in place to help those who have suffered this loss such as counseling, housing, food, etc.? And, are there plans for preventative measures during times of climate crisis in the future?" - Aline Silva

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Maddie's Pet Forum Admin
Maddie's Fund
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Wow! I just watched the recording and what an incredible story. Thank you so much for sharing and for everything you did, absolutely astounding. Mad love and respect to you!

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Sincerely,
Johanna Spielman
Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
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Mahalo nui loa, @Moani Makaiwi and the Maui Humane Society Team!

We are so grateful that you shared your story with us. Moani, you are a super HERO! Someone had asked in the chat when a Netflix movie would come out about you! We would love to see it!! 

Please continue to use the Maddie's Pet Forum as a resource to stay connected to peers on the mainland. We know there is a lot of work still ahead. It's wonderful to know about your Amazon wishlist, that tourism has resumed and people can find ways to help when visiting, and that every Spotify download of the song, "E Ola Maui" will support Lahaina. 

Thank you, again!

Irene

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Irene Chansawang
Senior Grants Specialist
Maddie's Fund
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