Blog - Boots On The Ground Maui

December 1, 2023 By Derek 0

Rebuilding Dreams: The Unyielding Spirit of Marvin Tevaga and His Family After the Lahaina Wildfires

In a heartfelt conversation with Ashley and Marvin Tevaga, the profound impact of the Lahaina wildfires on their lives unfolds. Marvin, a full-time Police Officer with the Maui Police Department, and his wife U’ilani, a dedicated stay-at-home mom to their five children, share their harrowing experience of losing their homes on that fateful August 8th, 2023. Navigating Loss and Uncertainty For Marvin, the aftermath of the wildfires meant more than just physical displacement. He speaks candidly about the challenges of driving long distances and the cascading effects of the tragedy on his family. As a musician who frequently performed at events in Maui, Marvin faced a double blow—losing not only his home but also a significant…

October 8, 2023 By Derek 0

Live Conversation with Kim McLaughlin & Ashley Hyman

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who joined us for our recent live session with co-founders Ashley and Kim McLaughlin. Your presence made the event truly special, and we appreciate the engagement and support you continue to offer us. During the session, Ashley and Kim discussed a range of important topics, but one conversation in particular stood out. They delved into the heart-wrenching despair experienced by some of our community members, coupled with the ongoing challenge of housing scarcity for those in need. We believe this discussion encapsulated the essence of our mission and the urgency of our work. In case you missed it, here’s a clip from that conversation: In…

September 21, 2023 By Kim Mclaughlin 0

The Unsung Heroes – The Maui Fire Department

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…

August 31, 2023 By Kim Mclaughlin 0

Pets, Landlords and the Great Divide Between the Two

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…

August 31, 2023 By Derek 0

Interview with Co-Founder Kim McLaughlin on KITV Island TV

Here at Boots on the Ground Maui, our mission is fueled by the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have been displaced and are struggling to find stable housing on this beautiful island. Every step we take is guided by compassion and a commitment to creating positive change. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to spread the word about our cause through a feature on KITV, and we are overflowing with gratitude for this platform that allowed us to share our story. A Spotlight on Our Cause In a recent appearance on KITV, we delved into the heart of the matter – discussing the critical issue of housing instability that plagues individuals…

August 29, 2023 By Kim Mclaughlin 2

The Trickle-Down Effect: What’s Next for Maui

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…