Maui Wildfire Disaster: Locals are furious at the sight of visitors enjoying on Maui’s sun-kissed beaches while rescue crews scour the wreckage on land and in the water for victims of the most destructive US wildfire in almost a century.
In vacation footage of people swimming, social media has been filled with hatred. The heartbreaking number of victims killed by the fire in Lahaina is rising, passing 100 and rising each day.
The famous Hawaiian actor Jason Momoa wrote this on Instagram. He advised guests to adjust their plans since the town needs time to mourn and rebuild.
Authorities and businesses may moderately welcome the flow of tourists, arguing it will boost the island’s tourism-dependent economy, but the problem is significant. The economic development board believes this industry drives Maui’s economy and generates 80% of its wealth.
However, as Maui rebuilds following the terrible fires, local leaders must balance citizens’ immediate housing and resource requirements with the island’s long-term financial stability.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green mentioned COVID-19 at a weekend news conference. He compared allowing tourists into a public health catastrophe to stabilizing the state’s economy. The risk of visiting must be measured against Hawaii’s financial harm from limitations.
“All of our people will need to survive, and we can’t afford no jobs or no future for our children,” added Green. When people can’t move as much, it might hurt locals beyond economy.
Tourism suffered once the fire went through. The Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism reported an alarming 81% reduction in airline customers visiting Maui compared to previous year.
In 2022, 2.9 million visitors visited Maui, compared to 165,000 year-round residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Maui’s tourism department reported $5.69 billion in revenue from these travelers in 2022.
Read More: Maui Deadliest Fire Tourism: Dilemma Amidst Tragedy
The Hawaii Tourism Authority advises against visiting West Maui unless necessary due to the fires. This will save money for local recovery.
However, the situation is more convoluted. Tourism is likely tied to many of the tragedy victims who lost loved ones and houses. Once considered a sign of riches, this industry today saves the poor.
West Maui hotels have temporarily ceased taking reservations due to the circumstances. Instead, they house employees and shelter evacuees and first responders working on the arduous process of catastrophe restoration.
The government has advised Maui tourists to check if their preferred lodging is still available in locations where the fires haven’t spread, such as Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, and Makena.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen maintained, “Maui is not closed.” He talked about how tourism is integral to many islanders’ lives.
When asked Tuesday, the Four Seasons Resort at Wailea Beach stated it would continue operations despite issues. However, it showed sympathy and advised August visitors to postpone their visits until the island’s recovery was complete. The five-star hotel has seen fewer guests since the fire.
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, a major Hawaii hotel chain with 23 locations, waived withdrawal fees through August.
Pleasant Holidays CEO Jack Richards said they had to fight against time to get more than 400 people off Maui during the mayhem. Dead phone lines and damaged Internet links hindered their attempts, showing how difficult it is to achieve what they did.
Most guests were able to move to other Hawaii locations. Rebooking 1,400 August Maui visitors is still tough. Some West Maui tour firms continued after the fire, but received bad comments. One company that organized a charity diving excursion kilometers from the fires apologized deeply and discontinued doing business.
Our Reader’s Queries
What caused the Maui fires 2023?
Hawaiian Electric has admitted that its downed lines were responsible for the initial fire. However, the company has argued in court documents that it cannot be held accountable for the subsequent flare-up. According to Hawaiian Electric, its lines had been turned off for several hours before the fire reignited and spread throughout the town. Despite this, the company’s role in the incident remains a subject of debate.
How many people died in the Maui wildfires?
The wildfire that recently ravaged the country has claimed the lives of 108 individuals, making it the deadliest in over a century. The death toll rose from 98 after officials discovered remains that did not match any previously identified victims. The process of locating and identifying the remains has been a challenging task.
What happened in Maui 2023?
The recent wildfire in West Maui has been recorded as the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii since statehood. The death toll has been devastating, with at least 67 people losing their lives. The fires have also caused injuries to many, with reports of at least 20 individuals being hospitalized at a Maui hospital on August 9. The impact of this tragedy is felt deeply by the community, and our thoughts are with those affected by this devastating event.
What areas are affected by the Maui wildfire?
The County of Maui has released an update on the wildfire disaster that occurred on 8/22. The affected areas include Lahaina, Upper Kula, Lahaina Gateway Center, Crater Road, Puamana, Copp Road, Kahoma Village, Kula Fire Station, Honokohau, and Rice Park. The authorities are working tirelessly to contain the fire and ensure the safety of the residents. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and follow the instructions of the officials. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this unfortunate incident.