Paul Kasprzycki : “76-Year-Old Man Identified as 101st Victim of Maui Fire: Tragic Incident Unveils the Unfortunate Fate of Elderly Individual”

HONOLULU — The devastating wildfire that swept through the iconic Hawaiian town of Lahaina in August has claimed another victim, bringing the death toll to 101. Maui police confirmed the identity of the latest victim, a 76-year-old man named Paul Kasprzycki.

The remains of Paul Kasprzycki were discovered by Maui police in an industrial area off a side street. Maui police spokesperson, Alana Pico, stated that X-rays were used to identify him. The discovery was made by a newly formed cold case unit established by Maui police to investigate cases related to the wildfire. Despite this breakthrough, two individuals still remain missing from the tragic blaze that unfolded on August 8th.

The victims of this devastating wildfire, the deadliest in over a century in the United States, spanned a wide range of ages. However, more than two-thirds of the victims were aged 60 or older, as reported by Maui police.

A childhood friend of Paul Kasprzycki, Steve Brodersen, fondly remembered him as a skilled carpenter and woodworker. While Kasprzycki’s work was primarily driven by personal interest, Brodersen described his craftsmanship as “fantastic.” Kasprzycki had established a small retail shop that also served as his living space after his children had grown.

Kasprzycki’s journey to Hawaii began during a boat race from Santa Monica, California, to Honolulu in the 1970s. He found himself captivated by the beauty of Hawaii and decided to make it his permanent home. Despite suggestions from friends to return to California, Kasprzycki found solace in Lahaina and the caring community that surrounded him.

Notably, despite having a bad hip, Kasprzycki relied on his bicycle to navigate Lahaina. According to Brodersen, “Lahaina was actually the perfect setting for Paul.”

The last conversation between Paul Kasprzycki and his older brother, Jan, took place on the afternoon of the fire. Jan pleaded with Paul to leave Lahaina, but he stubbornly refused, opting to stay with his five beloved cats. It wasn’t until recently that the family received confirmation of Kasprzycki’s fate, providing some closure to their ordeal.

The family intends to scatter Kasprzycki’s ashes at Jan’s home in Olinda, situated 4,000 feet above sea level on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano. Jan expressed that this location offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, ensuring that his brother can enjoy it perpetually.

Remembering his brother, Jan Kasprzycki emphasized that Paul was “a good, gentle and kind human being.”

An after-action report released by Maui police revealed that 42 victims were found inside buildings, 39 were discovered outdoors, and 15 were found inside vehicles. Shockingly, one person was even found in the ocean. Additionally, three individuals succumbed to fire-related injuries while receiving hospital treatment. The majority of the victims were recovered in the initial three days following the wildfire. Forensic experts and cadaver dogs meticulously combed through the ashes in search of remains, some as small as a quarter. DNA samples from family members were crucial in the identification process.

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)