Maui says mahalo to people of Japan for disaster recovery support, and providing hope after fires | News [Video]

TOKYO (Island News) — Japan offered valuable lessons learned in disaster recovery efforts after last year’s Maui wildfires, and also inspired hope and healing.

Leaders and students of Maui recently had a chance to say mahalo at the annual U.S. Japan Council Conference in Tokyo, Japan.

Among those who traveled to Shibuya and spoke at the conference, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, and Lahainaluna alumni M. Jee Abara.

Both participated in “Kibou for Maui”, a program that allowed two youth cohorts and Maui recovery effort leaders to meet with disaster experts in Japan’s Tohoku region, which underwent significant rebuilding after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The program aims to engage, inspire, and empower leaders and youth impacted by the Maui wildfires to lead the long-term physical, mental, and spiritual recovery …