A couple from Seattle, who retired to Hawaii, lost their home and belongings in the ongoing volcano disaster. Geri and Larry Butler escaped with just a few bags of clothing and their pets.
“They’re in shock,” said Christian Butler, their son, who lives in Bremerton.
His parents packed up their Green Lake home and moved to the Big Island in 2004. They bought a tranquil property in Leilani Estates and enjoyed a lush life among the palm trees. Then the earth started shaking.
The Butlers and their neighbors evacuated as the lava closed in. They didn't know if their home was safe until this past weekend, when someone posted a video on Facebook. They immediately recognized the structure.
“You could see the lava pushing through the house as the house was burning, so it was pretty dramatic,” said Butler, who is trying to raise money for his parents.
Everything is gone. They can't even get back into the neighborhood because the disaster is still unfolding.
The Butlers are staying with another family in a vacation rental while they figure out where to go next.
“I'm heartbroken over my parents, I mean they've literally lost everything they own, but Hawaii is still very special,” Butler said.
