Author: Kim Mclaughlin

Fortitude, sacrifice, brotherhood and service.  Words that carry a depth much deeper than the pen strike that dents this paper.  A sea of blue riding on the yellow ray of sunlight which appears like a symbol of hope in even the most dire situations.  Sirens blaring, lights announcing and the simple appearance of these men and women in uniform bring both an admiration and an incredible wave of relief when they arrive. But who are these almost mystical creatures, the civil servants to our communities?  Why do we love them so much? How can we show our gratitude for the work that they do and what compels them to commit their life to running toward the exact situations…

Our furry friends.  Our confidants, best friends, security blanket, and that one thing that no matter what is going on they are always happy we are home.  That wagging tail, those big eyes and squiggly body as they wiggle around us waiting for us to say hello.  Our pets are an integral part of our lives and for some people they may be the only living creature that someone truly feels themselves around.  Whether it is a dog, cat, fish, mouse, turtle, rat, bird or even lizard.  These animals are as much a part of the fabric of our lives as the homes we live in and the people that surround us. So, what happens when the pets…

To House or to host? To visit Maui or not visit? This is a question on everyone’s mind right now that owns a vacation rental on Maui. With tourism in a state of confusion and the local community struggling to find housing-what is the answer? I talk with people all day long from the early hours of the morning to the very late hours at night regarding this predicament. Both folks looking for long term housing and Owners of vacation rental units that both want to help, but also have mortgages to pay. The challenge for many unit owners is that maintenance fee on a vacation rentable unit is extremely high. Often $1,000 a month or more. Add…

Imagine finally making moves to start a new life with three young children. These types of big decisions do not come easily, quickly nor without bravery. And yet somehow when it is time and when it is necessary, we find the strength to make big changes. Even when we feel small. Carla Reader Hazlet is one of these types of women. Resilient. She is a teacher at Lahaina Intermediate and is an adventurous and loving Mother to 3 beautifully vibrant children. Her network of friends include like-minded family oriented folks in our community. Over the years we have seen each other at many camping trips at Olowalu, kid’s birthday parties, pizza parties and talk story hangouts with friends.…

The hardest thing about devoting my time to our newly founded corporation Boots On The Ground Maui is reading the screen on my laptop through my misty eyes and aching soul. Trudging the path of doing what I can to help those affected by the fire, is a constant dance. One that just like many of us on the Island I do without any hesitation. My time flows between work, family life, loved ones and of course the daily needs of our community which in a matter of hours- mushroomed into a cloud of smoke and fire. Forever changed, yet eternally stronger because of it. One minute there is a sense of purposefulness that gives energy to the…