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West Maui to Reopen to Tourism on Nov. 1 Following Devastating Wildfire

Following the deadliest wildfire in US history, most of West Maui, except some parts of historic Lahaina, will reopen for tourists despite some locals protesting about not being ready. The reopening means returning to work for many employees who depend on the tourism industry, and housing for displaced residents will not be affected according to the Red Cross.

Overview

  • West Maui plans to reopen for tourists on November 1. However, certain burnt-out sections of Lahaina, a historic town hugely impacted by the wildfire, will remain closed.
  • Locals have been divided over the reopening, with some protesting that the region is not yet ready for tourists, while others are eager to get back to work in industries dependent on tourism.
  • Many residents have temporarily found housing in local hotels, and the Red Cross assures that this accommodation will not be impacted by the reopening for tourism.
  • The reopening was originally planned to be phased, but Mayor Richard Bissen has decided to combine the remaining two phases and open all remaining areas at the beginning of next month.
  • The economies have been badly hit by the closure, with an estimated $9 million a day lost due to the drop in visitors to Maui, leading some local business owners to actively encourage tourism.
  • Despite the controversy over reopening, at least some hotels in the area have chosen to reopen independently, ahead of the official date of November 1