Maui locals split on Oct. 8 reopening.
A Divided Community: Maui’s Reopening Sparks Controversy
A debate rages over Maui’s planned Oct. 8 reopening to tourism, two months after historic wildfires turned much of the area into a war zone, as efforts intensify to keep the island’s economy afloat even as many mourning residents say it’s too soon.
“Our community is definitely divided,” Mika, a manager at Second Wind Surf Sail Surf and Kite in Maui, told The Epoch Times. “There are a lot of people still in mourning and others worried that they are going to lose their temporary housing. It is still difficult.”
“There is a lot of confusion and people aren’t getting the clear answers they need,” he added.
Many residents have voiced concerns that the Oct. 8 reopening, when all travel restrictions will end and West Maui will once again be open to visitors, is premature. The reopening has raised concerns among some in the community over what will happen to the large population of residents who have been displaced by the fire with a petition to delay the opening having already gathered more than 6,500 signatures.
“These working-class families, who are the backbone of our community, many of whom also work in the tourism industry, are struggling to find shelter, provide for their children’s education, and cope with emotional trauma,” the petition read. “We firmly believe that before any reopening takes place, it is imperative to consult with and prioritize the needs of these working-class Lāhainā residents. Delaying the reopening will allow for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach that takes into account the welfare and well-being of all West Maui residents and visitors alike.”
Jordan Ruidas, a resident and community organizer who created the petition, told ABC News: “With it being exactly two months after the tragic fires … it seemed like a slap in the face honestly.”
The petition is directed at Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who says that by allowing people to resume travel it will help the island begin to recover economically,
“This difficult decision is meant to bring hope for recovery to the families and businesses on Maui that have been so deeply affected in every way by the disaster,” Governor Josh Green told reporters on Sept. 8, the one-month anniversary of the blaze.
Nearly 8,000 people are staying at 40 hotels across Maui under the Red Cross’ sheltering program, according to the Maui News. The “safe harbor” period, in which eligibility requirements for disaster assistance ends on Sept. 29. The Red Cross still has yet to announce a decision on what will happen next to the survivors. Many children are still being bussed to schools outside of West Maui, with hopes that schools will reopen on Oct. 13, according to Maui County.
Earlier this week, Gov. Green tried to calm fears, assuring the public that the residents who are currently in shelter programs will not be turned away to make room for tourists.
“We’re not pushing people out, and if anyone does get displaced or it’s suggested they’re going to get displaced—the Red Cross or our office or others will intervene directly to make sure they have a roof over their head,” Hawaii Gov Josh Green said during a news conference Thursday.
“I don’t want people to be confused, we will still continue to care for them,” the governor added.
Mr. Green said he plans to formally announce his decision to reopen in a public address scheduled for Friday to be livestreamed on the governor’s Facebook page.
The fires began spreading on Aug. 8, nearly destroying the historic town of Lahaina, a tourist hot spot located in Maui. At least 97 people were killed in what would become the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history. More than one hundred businesses in Lahaina were destroyed, while the entire surrounding area suffered as the number of tourists—and the economy—plummeted.
Mr. Mika says that while he understands the concerns of those hesitant to reopen too soon, if something doesn’t change the businesses that do remain won’t be able to sustain the prolonged hit.
“A huge portion of our business is tourism,” said Mr. Mika. “If it doesn’t get back on track by Thanksgiving and Christmas it’s going to be dire.”
“Come to Maui, we need your support. Just be respectful.”
What are the concerns of residents regarding their long-term housing situation and potential displacement after the reopening of Maui?
Fter-maui-reopening/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>The Maui News. The uncertainty of their long-term housing situation and the fear of being displaced again is a major concern for many residents.
Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of reopening on the environment and infrastructure. The historic wildfires caused significant damage to the land and infrastructure, including water systems and roads. Some residents worry that reopening to tourism without adequate repairs and safeguards could further strain these already fragile systems.
Proponents of the reopening argue that it is necessary to support the island’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism. According to data from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, visitor spending in Maui County totaled $4.04 billion in 2019. The pandemic-related travel restrictions have severely impacted the local economy, leading to job losses and business closures.
However, opponents of the reopening emphasize the need to prioritize the well-being of residents. They argue that rushing to reopen without addressing the immediate needs of those displaced by the wildfires would exacerbate existing hardships and inequalities.
Given the division within the community, it is clear that a more comprehensive and inclusive approach is necessary. Consultation with affected residents and stakeholders is essential to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns are taken into account in the decision-making process.
The reopening of Maui to tourists on Oct. 8 will undoubtedly have significant implications for the community. It is crucial for policymakers to carefully consider the economic and social impacts of this decision and to prioritize the welfare of residents who are still grappling with the aftermath of the wildfires. Only through open dialogue and collaboration can a balanced solution be reached that supports both the economic recovery and the well-being of the community.
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