LAHAINA >> An estimated 1,000 people gathered at Maui’s Hanaka’o’o Beach Park this morning to join or witness the second “paddle out” at the starts of a full-day of events to commemorate the second anniversary of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires that killed 102 people and destroyed 2,200 structures.

Capt. Mike Sparling, West Side captain for Maui County’s Ocean Safety Department, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that the turnout was “a little less” than the number of survivors, Maui residents and other supporters who showed up for the first commemoration in 2024.

Several arrived today just after sunup for the paddle out that did not begin until 10 a.m. The event ended with a helicopter flower drop and participants joining hands to sing “Hawaii Aloha” in the water followed by whoops and

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