The ashes of memories have settled from the Maui wildfires. For my friends on the U.S. mainland and in Mexico and Europe – I’m sure the myopic New York corporate and international media are providing limited information about life on Maui, along with the questionable observations shared on social media around the world.
The sheer extent of this tragedy – the sadness, frustrations and unbelievable stress – continues for many Maui families who lost everything. As we move past this third month of the Maui fires, it has become crystal clear just how difficult it is to overcome such a life-changing disaster. It’s a challenging road ahead for our small Maui community. Maui will recover, but it will take years. Maui will be different. How different? That’s a wild card today. There are lots of heated and determined voices from all sides. Some bring caring and concern with a special historical vision. Others come with greed and the intention to put the most money in their pockets as possible. BEWARE … money gets politicians’ attention, and in Hawaii there is a hefty amount of good ‘ol boy corruption. To many eyes it matches the years of corruption scene in Chicago. I hope all who care about Maui will listen to each others’ voices with the very best efforts and bring caring outcomes. Almost all will agree, Maui is a special place on this planet. Hopefully we can reflect and reach consensus on a path forward for a better Maui, especially for all the native Hawaiians who have such a rich ancestral history. We need to work together for those native families, for the new families who choose to call Maui home and for those who come visit this amazing tropical paradise. Can’t we just all get along for the good of all?
An Economic Crisis
Maui tourism has collapsed. The number of visitors to Maui in September 2023 was less than HALF of what it was in September 2022. This is devastating to the Maui economy. Maui business owners are taking a big hit. But, it’s the little small business owner who will see the most financial challenges and close their doors and some of the big ones too. State and local government leaders screwed up. Initially, because of the wildfires, putting out the word – “Maui is Closed, Stay Away.” This was clearly plain and simply – STUPID! Unfortunately, most tourists listened to those ill-fated words. Many businesses in the unaffected areas of the South, Central, East and Upcountry communities of Maui are just shaking their heads and asking WHY … WHY did our leaders do this to us? State and local officials did not think through the ramifications. A heavy price is being paid for this inept thinking, and the economic numbers prove just that. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said Monday that all West Maui, except Lahaina town, will reopen to tourists and others starting November 1, 2023. Sadly, the dye has already been cast as most folks traveling for the holidays have already made their travel plans. Again, poor forward planning and thinking by our state and local officials. You don’t tell mainland and international travelers three weeks ahead of the holiday travel period that they can visit Maui and expect them to bounce right over.
Have you noticed that most elected government leaders (politicians), NEVER take responsibility for their screw-ups? Career politicians always find a way to deflect and blame others. Not accepting responsibility is a sign of a weak leader. Maybe we need just wise-thinking, regular, common-sense folks running Hawaii rather than career politicians. I mean really, would a Maui boat captain of a tourist snorkeling or fishing adventure do any worse than those Maui political leaders in power today?
The Numbers
In September 2022 Maui welcomed 219,667 visitors. In September 2023, we welcomed 94,221. In terms of visitor dollars spent for September, 2023 it was $203.3 million compared to $428.3 million the same period in 2022. That’s a big hit, and the numbers are down statewide as well. Every week more Maui businesses are closing their doors or cutting back on the days and hours they are open. Over 10,000 people have filed for unemployment on Maui. That’s 11% of Maui’s workforce. Further unemployment filings will almost certainly occur as recessionary conditions weigh on many businesses.
The Road to Hana – A Road Less Traveled
This past Saturday I took a daytime road trip to Hana and the Black Sand Beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park with Josh’s sister, Yara. A Maui motorcycle accident recently took young Josh’s life. Yara wanted to see Josh’s Maui. For tourists, the “Road to Hana” is always a must do Maui adventure. It’s an all-day exploration with stunning land and seascapes. Hana has about 1,000 residents. There is only one bank in Hana, the Bank of Hawaii, and it is only open for 90 minutes a day. The Road to Hana has over 600 curves, with dozens of single lane bridges, so it’s takes some time to get up and back. Typically, on a Saturday the Road to Hana would have hundreds of cars and thousands of tourists exploring this rainforest road. But not now. I would say 85% of the roadside food and souvenirs stands were closed. We stopped at Hana Farms for lunch and grabbed a couple souvenirs. There was only one other couple at the outdoor restaurant. Normally this tropical oasis would be packed with tourists. I have been to Hana Farms many times. I noticed that the employees looked sad and stressed, and they were unusually quiet.
An Island Exodus?
Tourism is what sustains most Maui families. Thousands of families lost everything in the fires. With thousands of homes and businesses lost, many will not be able to find an affordable place to live. Let alone the effort it takes, with the government bureaucracy, to rebuild a business. Imagine having lost both your home and your business. It’s almost a given that we will soon see a significant exodus from Hawaii to the mainland. Maui families were already leaving the island before the wildfires. According to census data, Hawaii was among the 10 states to lose the largest share of people between April 2020 and July 2022. Last year, before the wildfires, on average, 26 more people moved away per day from Hawaii than moved to Hawaii.
Where Do Maui Families Go?
It’s Las Vegas, BABY! For Hawaiians, Las Vegas is affectionately called “the ninth island.” Hawaiians move to Nevada and call it home for many reasons, including its lower cost of living and a service-based economy similar in many ways to Hawaii’s. It’s relatively easy to take your Maui service-based work skills and get a job at a Las Vegas hotel or resort. Also, many already have a family connection to Las Vegas. Interestingly, Las Vegas has the biggest population of Hawaiians outside of Hawaii. Lower housing costs and its large population of Hawaiians and former Hawaii residents make Las Vegas a common-sense and comfortable choice. After the wildfires, many islanders just want to start a new chapter in their life, and Las Vegas seems to be a favorite choice to do so. Did you know that one in ten Hawaiians go to Las Vegas every year? Many people from Hawaii love to gamble. California Hotel and Casinois famous for drawing people in from Hawaii. “Aloha” is spoken at the Cal. Hawaiians find themselves at the Cal, because it’s a hotel with restaurants and service designed to make Hawaiian visitors feel at home, right down to LOCO MOCO on the menu.
The Charity of Others Is Remarkable
As many Maui families struggle, the best wishes and prayers come in from around the world. The generosity and number of GoFundMe accounts set up for Maui families is stunning. If you have been to Maui and crashed at my home, I would have almost certainly taken you to WARREN and ANNABELLE’S in Lahaina. Warren and Annabelle’s is a small venue. You instantly felt you were with friends and family in an oversized cozy living room. W&A had the most lip-smacking appetizers, tastiest dinners, yummiest drinks and a comedy magic show that would have you howling in amazement. Maui islanders considered W&A a must-see visitor activity. All the Warren & Annabelle’s employees were tragically affected by the fire, and it will take a long time for them to rebuild their lives. Warren and Lisa, the owners of W&A, established a GoFundMe Employee Relief Fund. To date $481,336 from 3,300+ donations has been raised. This will make a huge difference, and the employees are truly grateful.
The Snowbirds Are Coming
Maui has long been a favorite destination of Canadian snowbirds and folks from Alaska too. For Canadians, Maui has always been the number one go-to destination in Hawaii. Many Canadian snowbirds – in particular from Western Canada – have owned or rented condos on Maui for decades. Many will stay for weeks or months. The Canadian snowbirds don’t spend money like a first-time visiting California tourist might, but they do seem to like chasing a little white ball all over the island. Maui is home to 14 fabulous and challenging golf courses, many with sweeping views. You’re going to need some green to play the greens. Bring your GOLD credit card! Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth and a wonderful place for an extended stay. Enjoy your visit and tip BIG!
Thanksgiving Is Approaching
It’s the time of giving. Order a Maui Gold Pineapple and put one on your Thanksgiving dinner table (www.mauipineapplestore.com). Someone will certainly ask, “Why is there a pineapple on the table?” You can tell them that they are the best pineapples with the perfect sweetness, then give them the Maui Gold Pineapple website! The employees at Maui Gold need the business and will appreciate your effort to keep them employed. Maui Gold Pineapples are available as a single box ($49), double box ($59), or a case of eight for $99. UPS 2nd Day Air shipping is included in the price. Order a case and give them away as a take-home treat for your Thanksgiving dinner guests. They will love you!
Thanks for reading.