PPOA President
Lieutenant, LASD
nescobedo@ppoa.com
On August 8, the tranquil and historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, witnessed a devastating, wind-driven wildfire, marking one of the most tragic events in U.S. history. The voracity of the flames left little time for organized evacuation or emergency sirens, amplifying fears of a massive loss of life. As the ash settled, the Department of Health and Human Services mobilized resources, including a portable morgue, to manage the aftermath.
PPOA Executive Board member/Coroner Investigator Joyce Kato was central to these efforts, a respected member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) – Region IX and the Victims Identification Team (VIC). Her experience and leadership skills, honed over years of service, positioned her as the ideal VIC team leader for this crisis. She and her dedicated team played a pivotal role in managing disaster operations, from conducting interviews with distressed families to coordinating DNA collections.
By August 14, bolstered by additional members, the Fire Assistance Center (FAC) was relocated from a local recreation center to the more spacious Hyatt ballroom in Lahaina. This strategic move allowed for a multiagency response, bringing representatives from FEMA, SBA, Red Cross and many others. Their collective aim? To offer comprehensive support to those affected, from filing missing persons reports to providing much-needed essentials like eyeglasses.
Yet, amid the grief and tragedy, what stood out the most was the indomitable Hawaiian spirit. Joyce, profoundly moved by her interactions, reported a consistent rise in visitors to the FAC. But it wasn’t just the numbers that were impressive. It was the stories of resilience and community support. Residents, even those who had lost everything, rose to the occasion, volunteering at distribution sites and aiding their neighbors. The essence of laulima, or “cooperation and helping others,” became the embodiment of their response.
This tragic event underscores the importance of emergency preparedness, adaptability and the unparalleled power of community. The recent Lahaina wildfires are a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable wrath and humanity’s enduring spirit. Joyce and her team have showcased exemplary dedication and skill and highlighted the intrinsic values that make us human — compassion, resilience and unity.
In times of adversity, stories like these reignite hope and faith in our shared humanity. Joyce and her team have set a precedent for what it truly means to serve a community, and for that, they deserve our utmost admiration and gratitude.
