LAHAINA, Hawaii — Specialist Michael Kulio Phillip of the 20th Infantry Brigade Combat Team flew from Oahu on Aug 9. to Lahaina, with orders to assist. Coincidentally, members of his extended family had been displaced during the fires; he felt the mission was meant to be.

On Monday, certain Lahaina residents were allowed to return to their homes, but Phillip’s family was not in one of the readied zones.

Digital journalist Sarah Yamanaka and executive producer Nuy Cho spoke with Phillip at the Lahaina Bypass along Lahainaluna Road, where he was guarding the road.