Grand Islander helping recovery efforts in Hawaii

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - As the recovery efforts continue in Hawaii, a Grand Island Red Cross employee is helping victims of the wildfires.

Shanie Bockmann has been in Maui since the beginning of September. She’s working in a shelter resident transition role, helping victims of the fires explore their next steps.

Bockmann said that there are times where emotions are high because of how much people have done through as a result of the fires, and she notes seeing the carnage left behind by the fire is shocking.

“It’s absolutely devastating, it’s always so much more real to see something in person, versus on television,” Bockmann said. “It looks like a war zone, it’s just absolutely devastating to see, cause it’s all black, and there’s nothing there.”

Bockmann said amidst the tragedy, people are showing a side of resiliency.

“The people that I have worked with have been amazing, their strength and resilience that they are demonstrating at this time while they’re also emotional and tearful,” Bockmann told Local4 News.

She noted, that all the Red Cross employees are staying in a gym on air mattresses and cots, and the survivors of the fire are lodged in hotels. She expects to be back in Grand Island around September 20.

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