Lahaina family finds hope thanks to teen's act of kindness

LAHAINA, MAUI (KHON) — Nearly a year after the devastating wildfires ravaged Maui, families are grappling with the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the ashes.

Among them, the Leopoldino family of Lahaina finds strength in the unexpected kindness of strangers, like the remarkable efforts of an Oahu teenager.

The Leopoldinos lost everything when the flames ravaged their house.

Busta Leopoldino, reflecting on the tragedy, said: “My mother was our family photographer and we lost all the photos. I lost childhood photos of my brother growing up. His brother died of a brain aneurysm.

The loss of sentimental items, combined with the devastation of their home, added to the weight of their grief.

But the Leopoldinos found a glimmer of hope in 16-year-old Genshu Price.

Through his nonprofit, Bottles4College, Genshu recycled more than 100,000 cans and donated the proceeds, totaling $7,000, to help the Leopoldinos rebuild their lives.

“I was blown away. Yeah. He wanted to donate and help us. It’s amazing what he does,” Busta Leopoldino said.

For the Leopoldinos, Genshu's act of kindness not only provided financial support, but also served as a beacon of hope in their darkest hours.

“It’s like a feeling of being stuck. My mind is not completely uncompressed and has not fully dealt with the stress I have experienced,” Kapua Leopoldino said.

But the generosity of strangers like Genshu helped ease some of their burdens and inspired them to keep moving forward.

Recycling, a practice dear to the hearts of the Leopoldinos, now serves as a symbol of community support.

“My father used to own a recycling company. It's a lot of work. It is not easy.”

Despite the challenges ahead, the Leopoldinos remain hopeful for the future, finding joy in the simple moments, like celebrating the first steps of their baby daughter, Aaliyah, born just a week after the wildfires.

“We have four boys and she is our only girl,” Kapua Leopoldino said. “So having it helps me get through it.”