Tragic Wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii Claims 101 Lives

HONOLULU — The death toll from the devastating wildfire that tore through the historic town of Lahaina in August has tragically risen to 101, according to the latest report by the Maui police. The authorities have recently confirmed the identity of an additional victim, a 76-year-old man named Paul Kasprzycki.

Maui police spokesperson, Alana Pico, revealed that Kasprzycki’s remains were discovered in an industrial area off a side street. The identification process was conducted by comparing X-rays taken before and after his death.

This heart-wrenching discovery was made by a newly formed cold case unit within the Maui police department, tasked with investigating the aftermath of the destructive fire. As of now, there are still two individuals missing from the blaze that ravaged Lahaina on August 8th.

The victims of this devastating wildfire, the deadliest in the United States in over a century, spanned a wide range of ages. However, more than two-thirds of those who lost their lives were aged 60 or above, as revealed by the Maui police’s list of known victims.

Paul Kasprzycki, the latest victim to be identified, was remembered by a childhood friend as an exceptional carpenter and woodworker. Steve Brodersen, who had known Kasprzycki since their eighth-grade days, attested to his friend’s remarkable craftsmanship. Although Kasprzycki primarily pursued his passion for woodworking for personal satisfaction, his work was nothing short of extraordinary.

“He never sought out marketing opportunities,” stated Brodersen, emphasizing Kasprzycki’s humble nature.

After his children had grown, Kasprzycki set up a small retail shop that also served as his living quarters. His journey to Hawaii began when he raced a boat he had built from Santa Monica, California, to Honolulu during the 1970s.

“He just never came back,” Brodersen reminisced, speaking from his home in Santa Ana, California.

Kasprzycki pursued higher education at the University of Southern California, focusing on ancient history, Latin, and philosophy. Graduating magna cum laude in 1969 and a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa, he demonstrated his academic prowess.

Initially advising Kasprzycki to return to California, Brodersen later came to realize the strong bonds and care Kasprzycki had found among the people of Lahaina. Despite suffering from a bad hip, Kasprzycki would ride his bicycle wherever he needed to go.

“Lahaina was actually the perfect setting for Paul,” Brodersen fondly recalled.

Jan Kasprzycki, Paul’s older brother, last spoke to him on the afternoon of the fire. Urging him to evacuate Lahaina, Jan pleaded with Paul to leave, but Paul adamantly refused. Determined to stay with his five cats, he opted to brave the flames.

The Kasprzycki family remained unaware of Paul’s fate until Monday, when they received the devastating news of his discovery. Jan Kasprzycki expressed relief at finally knowing “the end of the story.”

In honor of his brother’s memory, Jan plans to scatter Paul’s ashes at his home in Olinda, located 4,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano.

“From up here, you have one of the best views of the ocean,” Jan remarked. “Paul will get to see it every day, 24/7.”

Jan Kasprzycki wishes for people to remember his brother as “a good, gentle and kind human being.”

According to an after-action report released by the Maui police earlier this month, 42 victims were found inside buildings, 39 outdoors, and 15 inside vehicles. Additionally, one individual was discovered in the ocean, while three others succumbed to fire-related injuries while in the hospital.

The majority of the victims were recovered within the first three days following the blaze. Forensic experts and cadaver dogs tirelessly sifted through the ash, searching for remains that may have been cremated. Authorities collected DNA samples from family members to aid in the identification process.

Remarkably, some of the remains collected were as small as a quarter, highlighting the intensity of the fire.

This circa 2011 image provided by Pam Brodersen shows Paul Kasprzycki working on a lanai project in South Kona, Hawaii. The death toll from the wildfire that destroyed the historic Hawaii town of Lahaina in August rose to 101 on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, after Maui police confirmed the identity of one new victim, Paul Kasprzycki of Lahaina. Kasprzycki was one of three people still missing from the Aug. 8, 2023, blaze. (Pam Brodersen via AP)

This circa 2011 image provided by Pam Brodersen shows Paul Kasprzycki working on a lanai project in South Kona, Hawaii. The death toll from the wildfire that destroyed the historic Hawaii town of Lahaina in August rose to 101 on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, after Maui police confirmed the identity of one new victim, Paul Kasprzycki of Lahaina. Kasprzycki was one of three people still missing from the Aug. 8, 2023, blaze. (Pam Brodersen via AP)

This circa 2011 image provided by Pam Brodersen shows Paul Kasprzycki working on a lanai project in South Kona, Hawaii. The death toll from the wildfire that destroyed the historic Hawaii town of Lahaina in August rose to 101 on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, after Maui police confirmed the identity of one new victim, Paul Kasprzycki of Lahaina. Kasprzycki was one of three people still missing from the Aug. 8, 2023, blaze. (Pam Brodersen via AP)

FILE – Damaged property lies scattered in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Aug. 21, 2023. The death toll from the Lahaina wildfire rose to 101 on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, after Maui police confirmed the identity of one new victim, a 76-year-old man. Paul Kasprzycki of Lahaina died in the fire, Maui police said. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)