Don’t panic when travel opens, use best practices

I used to be a visitor, but now I am kama‘aina. After being a “visitor” to Maui for over 30 years, my husband and I now find ourselves residents of this lovely isle. From the first year we set foot on Maui, we knew we wanted to retire here.

Becoming kama‘aina happened in an eye blink. We bought a condo, got our driver’s licenses, paid taxes, and presto change-o . . . kama‘aina.

With visitors about to return to Maui Aug. 1, I will tread lightly. I used to be a visitor. I will not tell my neighbors to not panic, as this just seems to make people panic. Instead, I will recommend we be more cautious, that we continue to socially distance, that we continue to wash our hands, that we continue to wear our masks.

In addition, I will carry an extra mask in a clean baggy in my purse to hand with aloha to anyone I see who is without a mask. I will spread the aloha of Maui with a shaka, and not a hug. I will encourage visitors to be pono, protect our kupuna, wear masks. I will not panic. I will stay the course.

We’ve got this Maui! I know we can do it.

Pamela Sue Schwartau

Wailea