Originally Posted by
sukruthp
I saw the news literally a few seconds after posting this thread, heart goes out to all those affected, cannot believe this is happening in Maui.
Of course we will change our plans now
https://www.khon2.com/hawaii-fires/d...-maui-is-open/
This article provides a good reason why you should NOT change your plans unless you were planning on staying in the closed area of West Maui:
Mike Phillips, owner of Coconut’s Fish Cafe and a Maui resident for over 25 years, is feeling the strain. Besides mourning the tragic fire-related deaths — a grief he likens to the passing of his mother — Phillips is deeply concerned for his staff.
“My employees cannot survive on unemployment. Just yesterday, we made only $4,000, compared to an average of $17,000 in daily sales. With reduced tips and wages, how will they manage their expenses?” Phillips questioned, revealing that he might have to shut one of his two eateries on the Valley Isle soon.
The people of Maui who weren't affected by the fires need tourists in order to keep their jobs. Canceling trips to Kīhei/Wailea, Wailuku, and Kahului, will just cause additional suffering.