Interviewer: Satoni, thank you for sharing your story. Your latest book, The Book of Lahaina Remembered, is a tribute to the Maui fires and the strength of the community. How has your life changed since the fire?

Satoni Nukamato: The fire took everything—home, stability, and the life I had built in Lahaina. Moving away was difficult, but it was necessary. I had to start over in a place that didn’t carry the same memories. Even now, survival is still a struggle. The physical loss was one thing, but the emotional and financial weight of rebuilding from nothing is something I don’t think most people can fully grasp unless they’ve lived it.

Interviewer: You mention that survival is still a struggle. Can you tell us more about what that means for you now?

Satoni Nukamato: When the fire happened, it wasn’t just about the moment of destruction—it was about what came next. There’s no roadmap for how to restart your life when your entire environment is gone. Right now, I’m working on rebuilding in my own way, through my art, my books, and my game. But it’s a daily fight—financially, mentally, emotionally. Every day is about figuring out the next step forward while still carrying the weight of everything left behind.

Interviewer: How does that experience of loss and survival translate into your creative work?

Satoni Nukamato: My writing and game design have always been about timelines, choices, and survival in different forms. The Book of Lahaina Remembered captures that reality—not just of what was lost, but of what comes next. My book series, which explores resets and rebuilding civilizations from the ground up, now feels even more personal. The game I’m creating also reflects that—having to adapt, rebuild, and keep going no matter what.

Interviewer: What does rebuilding look like for you now?

Satoni Nukamato: It’s a mix of practical survival and creative persistence. The reality is that moving forward takes resources, and that’s a constant challenge. But at the same time, I’m pushing forward with my work—getting this book out, developing my game, and expanding my series. It’s not just about financial recovery; it’s about making sure the story of Lahaina, my story, and the stories of those who survived are remembered.

Interviewer: You’ve moved away from Maui, but do you still feel connected to Lahaina and its people?

Satoni Nukamato: Absolutely. I may not be there physically, but Lahaina is still my home. The connections I had with the people, the culture, the place itself—it’s all still in me. That’s why this book is so important. It’s not just about looking back; it’s about honoring what was and helping to keep that spirit alive even as the community rebuilds.

Interviewer: What do you want people to take away from The Book of Lahaina Remembered?

Satoni Nukamato: I want them to understand that Lahaina wasn’t just a tourist destination—it was home to real people, with real history, real struggles, and real resilience. The fire was devastating, but it didn’t erase Lahaina’s spirit. I want this book to be a reminder that survival is ongoing, that rebuilding is happening, and that the people of Lahaina are still here, still fighting to reclaim their community.

Interviewer: Beyond this book, what’s next for you?

Satoni Nukamato: Right now, I’m focused on expanding my book series and finalizing the game I’ve been developing. The Book of Lahaina Remembered is the priority, but it’s just one piece of the larger picture. I want my work to inspire, to tell stories that matter, and to create something lasting—whether that’s through books, games, or something else entirely.

Interviewer: If you could send one message to your readers and supporters, what would it be?

Satoni Nukamato: Keep moving forward. No matter what you’ve lost, no matter how impossible rebuilding seems—just take the next step. And if you can, support those who are still struggling. Whether it’s Lahaina, or any other place affected by disaster, the real work comes after the headlines fade. We are still here. We are still rebuilding. And we are not giving up.

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