One year after Lahaina fires, community reflects, honors resilience, and finds strength together

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- For some it doesn't feel like it has been a year, and for others it feels like its been a decade since the fires devastated Lahaina and Kula.

"Honestly it feels like it happened just yesterday. Just the amount of vivid memories we have of the day of and after, they're just forever etched in our memory," said one Lahaina resident, Paele Kakona.

Many took time to reflect on how difficult this day was last year.

"Were just fortunate to be alive. We were in the fire and barely escaped with our lives and we're thankful for the community coming together and just come together as a family to build Lahaina strong," added Tony Fiore, another Lahaina resident.

Many were happy to be surrounded by old neighbors and familiar faces who have since moved to other parts of the island or state.

"We've had time to reflect and it's not really about what you lost, I look at it as what was gained," said Briana Fiore. "I think community and what we have is memories and love for Lahaina and the people and the history and material things come and go, but we have our family and an amazing home here."