United States President Joe Biden and Hawaii Governor Josh Green spoke 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.”