Skift Take
To save local jobs and livelihoods, Hawaii and Maui tourism leaders need to figure out how to balance sensitivity while getting their public messaging straight that parts of Maui are open and can serve tourists.
The healing from the tragedy in Maui will take time and residents are debating whether to encourage more tourism. Many officials and those in the industry are stressing that tourists are still welcome in parts of Maui and the rest of Hawaii and that the economic recovery is critical.
“We are trying to get all of our partners and national media to pretty much say the same thing so that we can assure that we do welcome visitors with open arms,” said Lisa Paulson, executive director of the Maui Lodging and Hotel Association. “By all means, our message is please still come here, but when you come here be respectful and donate some time and help with the recovery.”
Nearly half of all hotel rooms in Maui sat unfilled in the week ending August 19, with an occupancy rate of just 49%, according to CoStar.
“Our planes are empty. Our properties in Wailea are incredibly empty,” said Paulson. “People are already getting laid off. Restaurants are cutting back on hours.”
Unemployment claims have soared to nearly 7,000 during the week of August 9-17, up from a weekly average of 700 to 800.
United, American and Delta cut their number of sched