Return of tourism in West Maui to come in phases

Tourism will return to West Maui in phases starting Oct. 8 to give residents time to adjust in the wake of the wildfires, Maui County announced Wednesday.

The phased approach developed by Mayor Richard Bissen and members of the Lahaina Advisory Team will allow time for residents to return to work, establish child care and settle into school, and allow more time to help find longer-term housing for thousands who are temporarily sheltered at hotels, the county said. The plan is as follows:

● Phase 1: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua to Kahana Villa, starting Oct. 8.

● Phase 2: Mahinahina to Maui Kaanapali Villas, to begin following an assessment of Phase 1.

● Phase 3: Royal Lahaina Resort to the Hyatt Regency, to begin following an assessment of Phase 2. With most displaced residents sheltered in this area, this will be the last phase to allow for more time to address housing options, the county said.

The only locations on Maui that have been completely closed have been historic Lahaina town and the surrounding areas impacted by the Aug. 8 fire.

Officials have pointed to the need for tourism to return eventually to bolster the economy and keep residents employed and staying on Maui. However, residents have expressed worries about visitors coming to the fire-stricken area, saying many are still traumatized.

In a news release Wednesday, Bissen said, “Our priorities have focused on the well-being of our people and that will continue to be critically important.”

“Six weeks ago, we focused on searching for unaccounted loved ones and supporting the safety and health of survivors,” he said. “As we take careful steps forward in an unprecedented disaster, addressing our West Maui visitor industry, their employees, and the local businesses that work in conjunction with the industry requires planning that will get us to a manageable re-opening.”