Wailua Flood

Yesterday was a very odd day I did not know what would transpire. As the rain came in it did not stop. 24 inches in one hr. Which kept going. The floods caused homes to be underwater. Most of which was in an area I grew up in. Sadly I came onto Web3 to ask for any help. Not for me but the non stop resources I will need to help us sustain this Community. Most see me as just an Artist within the Photography Realm. I am also a father to kids in which I do have grandkids. This Art Piece is about much more than myself but how I am here today. Takes a village to raise a child. That child was me. So when this location was under water from flash flooding I came into action quickly. Homes are now being cleaned up and the clean up effort started today. As the community who raised me flooded I immediately helped! From helping the Elderly community but helping them gather their pets and chickens. Helping them salvage things that meant so much to them on a moments notice. I did not hesitate to help because this community raised me and made me who I am. We help families get out of the home on a mandatory evacuation. This area could not be accessed by a vehicle but by small boat. Inflatable boat. We paddled into areas. We got people out and help the strain of the fireman. This event happen in minutes. The nearby River overflowed and the Residence were in a bad spot very quickly. Wailua is not know for rain. The drainage systems are very dated which is why it failed. The overflows from the river and nearby Reservoirs were overflowed with raging rivers of water. Most of this water was loaded with logs the size of Cars. Along with that was the garbage from nearby homeless areas. We seen Refrigerators, Car Tires, Kayaks, Large wooden fences from homes and so on. It was instantly like living in a bad dream. My goal was to save people and their pets If I could. The community was under water. I am taking a hour break to help clean up this morning and back after lunch. Today was very surreal. As the water subside I seen so much dead animals on all shorelines in this area. Dead fish a few dogs and the debri from everything. Seeing toilets, trees, home furniture and so on. Like I said it was a tough morning. Was like being in a shock state. My resources can only do so much. The main Reason behind this listing is for the help of the Art Community. It doesn't matter how much comes. It is more about swallowing my ego and pride to ask for this help. The funds raised if any will be towards Clean up today tomorrow and so much more. We will need to supply food with clean water so they can shower and I have two generators. I have some gas and will buy more. If I can get them a portable stove and rice it will help them immediately. This Art Piece is a symbol of who I am. Just a human loving other humans! Art Piece above is two worlds. One of clean water before the flood engulfed the community and the other is the dirty water. Which represents the flood which washed out this community that has given me so much. This post comes at a very tough time in my life. But my calling goes beyond me and the Community needs me! Mahalo for reading this and I appreciate all of you!