The Hawaiian island of Maui, after unprecedented fires, has regained the ability to receive tourists, but the recovery is not going smoothly. Residents and tourists have several uncomfortable questions about how to preserve the entertainment industry amid human tragedies. Similar questions will have to be answered not only about the Pacific Islands: they are also relevant to other parts of the world.
The resort island of Maui (Hawaii, USA) in the Pacific Ocean is preparing for the return of tourists after unprecedented forest fires that raged there in August and killed almost a hundred people. Relief and relief efforts continue to plague the island to this day, with homes and infrastructure destroyed across several thousand acres in the western part of the island.
The main tourist attraction on Maui was completely burnt out.
The damaged part of the island of Maui recently opened to visitors. Tourists are already bustling the streets of the northern coast, sunbathing on the beaches of Kihei and admiring the dazzling double rainbows stretching across Kapalua Bay. But the historic town of Lahaina, once a major tourist destination in West Maui, is partially hidden from view by special “dust screens.” Instead of once heavenly landscapes, there are charred trunks of palm trees, and along the highway, bright posters are calling on Lahaina to “heal” and tourists to “respect the locals.” Entry into the city is limited and occurs through checkpoints.
“It’s hard to be around travelers who can have a certain level of entertainment when you, who live here and serve these people, don’t have that luxury,” said Mr. Patel, whose rental property in Lahaina was destroyed by fire.
The businessman hopes that a balance between the interests of tourists, businesses, and residents is possible.
Likely, the island state’s experience in dealing with these complex issues could be useful in the future to other countries and territories that depend on tourism and tourists, since the problems that are now being addressed in Hawaii, including ethical ones, are more relevant than ever in many different parts of the world.