In the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina Town on Maui, a sense of urgency stirred within me. The vision of Hawai’i as a haven defined by collective well-being resonates deeply within my soul. In early 2023, this vision materialized as Notes from Nowhere, my novel portraying the future Mutual Nation of Hawai’i.
As we bear witness to the heartrending aftermath of the fires, a stark reality has emerged: mere words hold insufficient power to assuage the anguish and reconstruct the lives shattered by this tragedy on Maui. It is time to translate intention into action, to put our convictions into tangible practice. To put our money where our mouth is.
A transformative idea emerged – an avenue to embody the values of compassion and solidarity that Hawai’i embodies and to make the book into something that guides the future and helps the present. Thus, the notion arose to transform Notes from Nowhere into an endeavor of philanthropy and support.
Due to the nature of blockchains and smart contracts, our initial chapter releases are immutable. I jumped into conversations with my collaborators on this literary journey – Femmebot, Vagobond Magazine, and Creatokia. This led to a unanimous decision: create a new complete edition of the book with all proceeds – the entirety of the author and illustrator revenue – being channeled to Maui Mutual Aid, a lifeline for those grappling with the wildfire’s aftermath.
The decision would sit well with Klee, the surgeon-singer who calls Maui home within the pages of Notes from Nowhere. It’s a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the islands and people of Hawai’i. The challenges ahead are substantial. Recovery will be a prolonged journey, this special edition will remain available throughout 2023, symbolizing a sustained commitment to the welfare of Maui.
The cover price is set at €5 with 100% of the author revenue ($4.94) going to Maui Mutual Aid. This is an ebook and can be purchased with a credit card. It can also be minted on the blockchain to create a permanent digital momento that can be shared, traded, or collected. Creatokia’s unique system allows a purchase without blockchain fees or minting – there is no ‘gas’ fee with a credit card transaction. For those seeking to contribute more, the option to purchase multiple copies of the book or to make direct donations to Maui Mutual Aid through the provided link here.
As we collectively embrace the spirit of helping one another, our actions will amplify the unity and resilience that define both the novel and the very essence of Hawai’i itself. It is our hope that Notes from Nowhere transcends its status as a conceptual glimpse into the future of Hawai’i and becomes a beacon of support for those in dire need in the present moment.
CD Damitio
Honolulu, HI
August 12, 2023