2023-08-24 13:59:21
In early August, severe wildfires ravaged the western regions of Maui, Hawaii. The city of Lahaina has almost completely burned down, and the emergency services are still looking for missing people.
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After initially discouraging travel to Maui, Gov. Josh Green is taking a small step forward and encouraging people to come back to Maui “to support our local economy and accelerate recovery,” according to a statement from the governor’s office. offices is quoted.
“The rest of Hawaii is safe”
However, the affected area in western Maui around Lahaina will remain closed to travelers — until at least October 17. This also includes the places Nāpili, Kāʻanapali and Kapalua. “Now only returning residents and authorized helpers should come here. All other areas of Maui and the rest of Hawaii are safe,” said Governor Green.
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The Hawaii Tourism Authority recommends travelers visit the other areas of Maui such as Kahului, Wailuku, Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, Pā’ia and Hāna or travel to the main island of Hawaii Island. The hotels in West Maui, meanwhile, have been converted into emergency shelters. Emergency services, their families and evacuees are currently staying here, the tourism authority informs.
Holiday accommodation needed for locals
She is also urging vacation rental owners to open them up to West Maui locals who are currently facing the rubble of their homes. Also the portal Airbnb have planned an initiative to temporarily offer free stays to 1000 affected people. Details are not yet known.
The destruction from the wildfires in and around Lahaina is devastating. US President Joe Biden recently visited the area. During the visit, Governor Josh Green emphasized that Hawaii had already been through a lot in recent years: “Three years of Covid, the volcanic eruptions of 2018 and 2022 that devastated the Big Island. There are scars in people’s lives, but none of them have been as tragic as the Lahaina fire.”
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