It has definitely been a year to remember for Starboard Dream Team member, Zane Kekoa Schweitzer. He turned 30 this month, capping off three decades of living life to the fullest – and full of gratitude and aloha. As Zane says, “Life moves fast!”
Zane’s grandma Carolyn always reminded Zane of how important gratitude and living a full life is. (You can immerse yourself in Zane’s life philosophy woven into incredible stories by reading his book BENEATH THE SURFACE)
Looking back on Zane’s many Instagram posts (Follow here) and watching videos on his YouTube channel – Subscribe here) there is so much wisdom, joy and zest for life shared with us all. For example Zane describes this summer as the the best summer yet. Zane and his beautiful wife, Kim, began the journey of parenthood with the birth of their son Kāheleāwai. Zane shared this, “So grateful for the amazing life I get to lead, and so grateful for everyone who has influenced me along the way. Can’t believe I’m coming up on my 3rd decade of life, and feeling more grateful, mindful and motivated than ever! Mahalo e ke akua!!!”
In early August the unthinkable tragedy – the Lahaina and Kula fires – struck Maui. Along with so many members of the West Maui community, Zane and his brother Matty (Island Eye Productions) took the lead in a tireless effort to help out the community in every way that might be needed.
Tireless is an absolutely inadequate word for their dedicated work and inspiration to others. The crucial issue of so many people having lost not only loved ones and friends, but also their homes struck Zane as a problem in need of an immediate solution.
I saw a video created by Daniel Nguyen of Delta Visuals that tells the story better than mere words can. Daniel describes his video story like this: Big waves, and big heart. Zane has risen up to the occasion of trying to find a solution for his community. His own parent-in-laws have been displaced by the fire-losing everything. He has taken them in and housed them, like many others in West Maui. Wanting to find a sustainable solution for the long term that can be replicated by many others willing to host those displaced, he has come up with the following idea.
After being given a tiny home prototype, Zane wants to mass produce this idea across West Maui so that those affected do not have to leave their community. In addition to allowing the host families to have some breathing room in their efforts. Personally funding the development of this idea, and giving graciously back to his community, Zane is one of many who has chosen not to wait for a government relief project. Opting to help the community that he was born and raised in, foregoing all previous priorities to provide what he can.
If you would like to support Zane and his efforts, please reach him at @zaniac1 and consider donating to the Non-Profit Organization in his bio. mauicommunityalliance.com @kahakukahi @riveroflifehawaii @madeinhope
You can access the video here: Maui, Lahaina Fires Community Outreach: Zane Kekoa Schweitzer https://youtu.be/4_uK7xZz0N8
Elder SUP 