Maui community gathers in Wailuku for candlelight vigil focused on immigration
By Kimber Collins
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WAILUKU, Maui (KITV) — Candles lit the lawn of Kalana O Maui Tuesday night in a show of unity, peace and compassion, as dozens gathered for a community vigil in Wailuku.
As the sun set, families arrived quietly, one by one, battery-powered candles in hand. The event, hosted by Maui County, included prayer and song and was organized in partnership with Roots Reborn, a nonprofit that supports migrant and immigrant families on Maui.
Among those in attendance were first-generation Americans Carly Ortiz and Erica Esquivel.
For them, being there wasn’t political, it was personal.
“I don’t think there is ever a time in my day where I’m not thinking about what is going on, when I’m not thinking about what could happen to my family because of our background, because of who we are, because of what we look like, because of what our names sound like,” Ortiz said.
They said they came to stand in solidarity with Maui’s immigrant community and to show their children what aloha looks like in action.
“It’s important for us to show up to these events, or any protest just to share our voice and be there for representing people who can’t be there or are too afraid to be there,” Esquivel said.
County leaders said that’s exactly what the night was meant to reflect.
“THERE IS ONLY ALOHA HERE,” said Mayor Richard Bissen, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Roots Reborn Executive Director Veronica Mendoza also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the organization’s deep ties to the community.
“Every member of our staff who is with me tonight, we’re all bilingual, we are all bicultural, we are all migrant, proud immigrants,” Mendoza said.
According to organizers, the vigil was intended as a space for residents to come together in a moment marked by uncertainty and reaffirm a shared commitment to dignity and compassion for all people on Maui.
For Ortiz and Esquivel, the message was simple.
“Just being here and being able to just sort of sit and give a moment of silence to those who have been affected, who have lost their lives, who have lost family members, if this is all I can do, I’m going to do it,” Ortiz said.
Organizers said they hope the vigil is just one step toward continued dialogue, understanding and support across the island.
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