by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:05 AM ET, Tue August 22, 2023
United States President Joe Biden and Hawaii Governor Josh
Green spoke Monday about the devastation in Maui and how the tourism industry continues
to help, while most of the state remains open to domestic and international travel.
President Biden praised the “remarkable resiliency” of the locals
after wildfires killed more than 114 people on the Hawaiian island earlier this
month. The president also said the U.S. government and Americans “would stand
by them for as long as it takes.”
Governor Green and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) said
all travelers and unauthorized visitors should avoid West Maui—including
Lahaina, Napili, Kaanapali and Kapalua—“as a means of respect to the people and
places that have been lost in Lahaina during this devastating tragedy.”
“No one can travel to West Maui right now,” Governor Green
said. “We will share when that is possible again. Only returning residents and
authorized emergency relief workers should come here now.”
The government officials also pointed out the importance of
the travel industry and the need for tourists to visit the rest of Maui and the
other Hawaiian Islands to provide a positive economic impact that can be
utilized to support the impacted area and its recovery.
“But all of the other areas of Maui, and the rest of Hawaii
are safe,” Green continued. “When you come, you will support our local economy
and help speed the recovery of the people that are suffering right now.”
The HTA is also working to encourage travelers to continue
visiting other areas of Maui, including Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena,
Paia and Hana, in addition to the other Hawaiian Islands.
A report from last week voiced concerns about tourists visiting
Maui as locals expressed frustration on social media, including posting videos
of travelers enjoying vacation activities. Despite the concerns, Maui Mayor
Richard Bissen said the island
is not closed and that “many of our residents make their living off of
tourism.”
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