Maui Wildfire Update – September 27 as of 3 p.m.
Aloha,
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
Mayor Bissen announced a phased approach to reopening West Maui to tourism.
- In a press release, the Mayor and his Lahaina Advisory Team outlined a staggered approach to reopening. Phase 1 begins on Oct. 8, and phases 2 and 3 will start after assessing the previous phase.
- Phase 1: Ritz-Carlton, Maui Kapalua to Kahana Villa
- Phase 2: Mahinahina to Maui Kaanapali Villas
- Phase 3: Royal Lahaina Resort to the Hyatt Regency
- West Maui businesses continue to struggle as the lack of visitors results in mounting unemployment.
The hospitality industry is ready for respectful visitors to return.
- The hospitality industry urges guests to be respectful and share insight into what locals want visitors to know.
- An annual meeting in Maui contributed $2 million to the island’s economy. Officials said the meeting is a good example of responsible, respectful and impactful travel amid a challenging time.
The spotlight is again on what caused the fire and how to prevent future occurrences ahead of the congressional hearing.
- Some Democrats, including Hawai‘i’s congressional representatives, are worried the hearing will be little more than partisan digs rather than a constructive inquiry into learning the facts.
- Investigators are still trying to understand how the fire began and spread.
- A former chair of the state’s Civil Defense Advisory Council said lives could have been saved if officials had taken warnings more seriously.
In news about people and companies supporting the community…
- Erlinda and Leo Ramelb are operating a distribution hub for survivors out of their home.
- Ukulele Festival Hawai‘i donated more than 800 ukulele to the keiki and families on Maui to bring laughter, love, and hope to the community.
- A group of Lahaina barbers are giving back to the community by offering free haircuts to those impacted by the Aug. 8 wildfires.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team