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'I don't know if he even made it through' | Man searching for friend one year after Maui wildfires

One year ago, more than 100 people died from wildfires in Maui, Hawaii. One Mississippi man plans to return to the island hoping to find a friend at a resort.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One year ago marked the historic fire disaster on Maui. 

The Hawaii Island was devastated with more than 100 people killed, forcing thousands to evacuate and destroying an unknown amount of property damage. 

The Mid-South was 4,100 miles away, but one Olive Branch man is crossing the Pacific Ocean to find a friend. 

Kevin Brown told ABC24 he's vacationed in Maui multiple times with his family over the years. He said he's befriended a man who works at one of the resorts caught in last year's wildfire. Brown said he hopes to find the friend, who goes by the name Tim, shortly after he lands in the area in September. 

On Thursday, Brown called the Old Lahaina Luau in search for Tim. He said a recorded call came up stating the business was closed for the day. 

"We have decided to close and not operate any of our businesses on Thursday, August 8, 2024," said the voicemail. 

Brown said this was to allow the families time to have the day off one year after the tragic wildfires in Maui. 

The last time Brown spoke with Tim was during the pandemic, and now he hasn't seen him in years.  

"I haven't had an opportunity to speak with him since the tragedy," he said. "I don't know if he even made it through or not, but I do plan on seeking him out when I get there to see if he's still around." 

Brown told ABC24 that seeing the devastation a year later on television doesn't feel real. He will continue to carry the memories from his trips there and hopes next month to relive what once was there when he goes back. 

"We literally cried because we were actually looking at where people were jumping off into the ocean and other places," Brown said. "It was right downtown where we parked our car. Just see what the devastation was or is and see if there's any of the memories that I have of that place — if it still exists." 

Brown said while in Maui he doesn't plan on helping with clean-up efforts, but he will put his finances into the community to help the community get back on their feet. 

"When I spoke to the people at the Old Lahaina Luau, they told me that a lot of people are not coming there because they think they're not up and running," Brown said. "That's one reason why we are going there, to help bring some financial stability back to that area." 

Brown told ABC24 some tourists are being diverted to Honolulu because they believe no businesses are open in Maui, but he said this is not true and encourages people to spend their money at Maui to help the area get back on its feet.

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