Okinawans rally around Lahaina

A wildfire in August ripped through the Hawaiian island of Maui, leveling much of Lahaina. Once upon a time, Okinawan settlers in Lahaina helped their people back home recover from the scars of World War II. Now Okinawans around the world want to repay that kindness by doing what they can to help the historic town in Maui. NHK World’s Kamiji Eriko reports.

Okinawan identity over generations

Lahaina, located on the west side of Maui, is a beautiful city that once flourished as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The historic townscape, which is popular with tourists, was also destroyed in the fire.

The NHK reporter who went to Lahaina to cover the fire found a flag with the emblem of Okinawa Prefecture, which is 7,000 kilometers away from Maui. The flag symbolized the deep ties between Lahaina and Okinawa.

Hara Hiroaki, a project manager at a major Okinawa library, recently organized an exhibition showcasing the bond between Lahaina and the Island of Okinawa.

Several years ago, while working on his masters at the University of Hawaii, he also continued his research on Okinawan emigration to Hawaii.

He was struck by the fact that many retained their Okinawan identity over generations.

At the end of World War Two, the fierce Battle of Okinawa between the US allied forces and the Japanese Imperial army decimated the island, killing many civilians.

Wanting to support the survivors, members of Lahaina's Okinawan community joined relief efforts, sending supplies like clothing.

Now, Lahaina is struggling...

Okinawan spirit of mutual support

Compelled to help, Hara went online to reach out to people with Okinawan heritage around the world.

Nearly 200 people from the US, Brazil and other countries responded to the call, joining his webinar to explore how they could support Maui victims.

Hara traces the history of Japan's ties with Lahaina, such as the fact that Buddhist temples existed there 100 years ago.

He also shares where in Okinawa the emigrants originated.

Sonya Toma, of a Maui Okinawan association, reports on how the fire impacted locals of Okinawan descent.

Hara used his Webinar to focus on ways participants could spearhead fundraising to support victims of the devastating fire.

Hara hopes the Okinawan spirit of mutual support and giving back will restore Lahaina to its former glory. Kamiji Eriko, NHK World, Okinawa.