Rising From the Fire: Maui’s Strong Women Lead Recovery

On August 15, 2023, His Majesty King Edmund K. Paki-Silva II, Sovereign Monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi, issued a moving royal proclamation titled “The Strength of Women.”

This message pays tribute to the fearless strong women who stepped forward to help the people of Maui during one of the darkest moments in the island’s history.

The King described these women as those who do not fear the fire—they become it and rise. When tragedy struck Maui, they did not flee danger, but ran toward it, rallying together to deliver plane loads of critical supplies to families who had lost everything.

They opened their own wallets, credit cards, and personal resources to ensure the people of Hawaiʻi received food, clothing, and basic necessities without delay. Their actions exemplify the very essence of aloha — selfless love in action.

Among those honored by the King are: Eden Alpert, Cinde Montgomery, Kelly Stone, Joelle Jarvis Green, Amanda Gunville, Wailani O’Herlihy, Melanie Angel, Giselle CHB, Shauna Fitzmorris, Caroline Bray, Loree Rodkin, Lisa Stanley, and Camille Bennett.

King Edmund also gave special recognition to Kupuna Victoria Kaluna Palafox, who has accepted the call to serve as the Ambassador of Goodwill and Aloha for Maui Island. She has been tasked with directly assessing the needs of the people and coordinating with first responders to ensure that aid is delivered with love, speed, and care.

“No task is too small or large to overcome — we will overcome those challenges together. IMUA.”

Through this proclamation, the King expresses his profound gratitude and acknowledges that the strength of women has become a guiding light in the Kingdom’s ongoing healing and recovery efforts.

Nou ke Akua ke Aupuni o Hawaiʻi — The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi belongs to God.