An online petition has garnered over 10,000 signatures, urging the governor to delay the reopening of West Maui to tourism on October 8th. Created by Lahaina Strong, a grassroots organization dedicated to the recovery and resilience of Lahaina, the petition is supported by bkrvlogs and the OfficialLahainaStrong Instagram page. The group seeks proper consultation with the community, stability in housing and rent, safety for impacted residents and children, support for working families and local businesses, and more. The petition emphasizes the need for thoughtful execution that prioritizes the well-being of the community members over tourism industry profits. West Maui lawmakers and council members have also joined in urging the governor to reconsider the reopening strategy, expressing concerns about the fragility of the community and the need for a balanced solution.
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Petition draws 10K signatures asking governor to delay reopening of West Maui to tourism
An online petition has gained significant traction, amassing over 10,000 signatures, in a plea to delay the reopening of West Maui to tourism on October 8th. The petition was initiated by Lahaina Strong, a grassroots organization committed to the recovery and resilience of Lahaina, and has been promoted by bkrvlogs and the OfficialLahainaStrong Instagram page.
Lahaina Strong was formed after the devastating West Maui wildfires during Hurricane Lane in 2018 and has since become a community-driven movement focused on empowering the people, restoring water, and defending land. The petition, advocating for a delay in reopening, highlights the importance of consulting with the working-class families of Lahaina who were displaced by the fires and whose voices have not been adequately heard.
The petition requests several actions, including engaging in consultation with the Lahaina community, allowing time for grieving, stabilizing housing and rent for impacted residents, ensuring the safety and schooling of affected children, providing a safety net for working families and local businesses, implementing a moratorium on foreclosures, addressing tensions with tourists, and marketing other regions of Maui to visitors.
Petition delivery and press conference
The petition is set to be delivered to the State Capitol and will be accompanied by a press conference. The event will feature speakers from the Lahaina Strong community, West Maui County Councilmember Tamara Paltin, and Senator Angus McKelvey. The requests presented at the press conference align with the needs and welfare of the Lahaina community, as expressed during the ten-hour testimony provided by West Maui residents to the Maui Council Council.
Requests presented by the petition
The petition emphasizes the need for extensive consultation with the working-class families of Lahaina, who have been through significant hardships due to the wildfires. The voices of the affected residents must be heard, and their needs regarding housing, rent stabilization, safety, schooling, and support for local businesses must be addressed. The petition also calls for a moratorium on foreclosures, resolution of tensions with tourists, and promoting other regions of Maui to visitors.
Lahaina Strong organizer’s statement
The organizer of Lahaina Strong, Jordan Ruidas, highlights the pain, exhaustion, and grief within the community. Ruidas emphasizes the importance of thoughtful execution and prioritization of the well-being of community members over tourism industry profits. The uncertainty and challenges faced on a daily basis by the community must be addressed as a top priority before considering reopening.
Similar demands from West Maui lawmakers
West Maui lawmakers, Senator Angus McKelvey and Representative Elle Cochran, have voiced similar demands to the governor, urging the abandonment of the October 8th reopening date. They believe that reopening West Maui for tourism is premature and could exacerbate the issues faced by the fragile community. The lawmakers request that the governor listen to the Lahaina community and consider their perspectives when deciding on a reopening strategy.
Concerns expressed by West Maui Council member
West Maui Council member, Tamara Paltin, has spoken to numerous residents who are struggling with the unknowns surrounding the reopening. Many residents have faced multiple moves and received conflicting information, causing significant stress. Paltin emphasizes the need for marketing efforts to focus on other parts of Maui, as the West Maui community needs time to grieve and recover.
Governor’s perspective on reopening
The governor emphasizes the importance of supporting Maui’s economy and employment as a means of facilitating healing within the community. He acknowledges that there is no easy answer to determine the right time for reopening but believes that by keeping people employed, they will recover faster and maintain the ability to live on Maui.
Mayor’s phased approach to reopening
Mayor Richard Bissen and his Lahaina Advisory Team have devised a phased approach to reopening West Maui to visitors following the governor’s projected reopening date. The plan aims to address housing needs by gradually reopening properties in stages. The first phase will encompass Kapalua to Kahana properties, followed by Māhinahina to Maui Kāʻanapali Villas. The Royal Lahaina Resort to the Hyatt Regency will be the last phase, allowing for more time to address housing options and accommodate displaced residents.
Staggered opening plan
The reopening plan for West Maui entails a timeline and order for reopening properties. The staggered approach prioritizes housing needs and ensures a gradual and controlled reintroduction of tourism to the region. By carefully managing the reopening process, the plan aims to strike a balance between supporting the local economy and prioritizing the well-being of the community.
In conclusion, the petition to delay the reopening of West Maui to tourism has gained significant attention and support. Lahaina Strong, along with West Maui lawmakers and council members, has raised legitimate concerns regarding the readiness and well-being of the community. While the governor advocates for supporting the economy, there is a clear call for thoughtful execution and prioritization of the community’s needs. The phased approach proposed by the mayor acknowledges the housing challenges faced by residents and strives to address them before fully reopening. By considering all perspectives and finding a balanced approach, West Maui can navigate the reopening process in a way that ensures the well-being of its residents.