Should Tourists Travel To Hawaii?

KCAL News, CBS Los Angeles

August 29, 2023 / 9:56 PM

As crews wrap up their work in clearing toxic debris from Maui's devasted Lahaina, Hawaiian travel officials are asking tourists to return to the devasted destination — as long as they follow a solemn rule: "Respect the west but visit the rest."

"The best thing people can do right now to support Maui's recovery is to come visit," said Ilihia Gionson, spokesperson for the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Maui has struggled to recover from a devastating wildfire that killed more than 100 people and leveled the historic town of Lahaina. The island's western area is losing about $9 million a day. Visitors throughout the island have dropped from 8,000 people arriving a day to a mere 2,000.

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