Kyle Ellison

In this episode of Pilali, Ashley and Wren sit down with Mālama Kula founder Kyle Ellison to explore what happens when disaster forces a community to become its own first responder. Kyle shares his experience of the 2023 Kula fires, from fighting flames behind his home to helping neighbors access water and supplies, and how that response ultimately grew into Mālama Kula.The conversation explores the power and limits of community-led disaster recovery, from wildfire prevention and philanthropy to the long-term work of rebuilding. Together, they reflect on what Maui’s recovery reveals about tourism, housing, local infrastructure, and what it takes to build communities that are prepared not just to respond to disaster, but for what comes next.Socials: @malamakulaLinkedInShow Notes: Malama KulaCommon Ground CollectiveMaui Huliau Foundation