Capital Region native loses everything in Maui wildfires

A man from the Capital Region is picking up the pieces after losing his home to the wildfires in Maui.

Daniel Hills grew up in Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County, where his father was the park manager. He also attended Maple Hill High School in Schodack.

In 2007, Hills moved to Maui to be with his girlfriend, and eventually became a D.J. in Lahaina.

“Lahaina reminds me of a small town in Upstate New York, like Hudson, where everybody knew each other for generations.” Hills said.

Last Tuesday, Hills left his home on front street in Lahaina for work on the other side of the island. He had no idea flames were headed to his home.

It wasn’t until the next morning that his fears for the worst were confirmed. His house was gone. Hills is now living with friends who took him in.

“People have been extremely generous and I’ve been extremely grateful for everything I’ve received.” Hills said.

While he works to figure out how to rebuild his own life, Hills is spending his time helping others.
Hills also wants to make sure people here in the Capital Region know their fellow Americans need help right now.

“Anything helps because it is going to be a very long recovery process and I know right now it is fresh in everyone’s mind but with the next week, months, years we’re all going to need to come together to rebuild.”

Daniel’s brother set up a GoFundMe page for anyone looking to help him deal with this tragedy.