Maui faces tourism dilemma after wildfires

The Hawaiian island of Maui, which recently endured the tragic wildfires that claimed at least 111 lives and burnt the historic town of Lahaina, is facing a tourism dilemma.

The dilemma
More than 80% of the county’s economic activity is tourism, generating about $5.7 billion in revenue each year. In a way, it is Maui's main artery.

Island officials who previously told tourists not to come to Maui out of respect for the wildfire victims, rescue operations and rebuilding efforts are now advising them to return. “Don’t go to west Maui, obviously,” says Maui county mayor Richard Bissen.

But
Locals do not want tourists during such a devastating time, and famous Hawaii native Aquaman actor Jason Momoa is among them.

“Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now,” Momoa wrote in a recent Instagram post, trying to discourage tourists from visiting.

Tourists snorkeling around the Lahaina coast have sparked controversy since it was where rescue teams were searching for wildfire victims and survivors last week.

Locals are confused
Natives are in a quandary. They need to make money, but they don’t want tourists to visit during such a time. Some also feel stuck if they should go back to work in other parts of the island or stay back and help with recovery efforts.

In other Maui news,
The head of Maui Emergency Management Agency resigned from his post last night amid criticism over his agency’s response to the Lahaina fire.