In the never-ending debate exacerbated following this summer’s catastrophic fires on Maui, a highly divisive discourse continues as to whether tourists should visit the island in general and West Maui in particular. You’ll recall that a petition to delay reopening amassed more than 10,000 signatures. Amidst the devastation and personal and financial losses, strong and conflicting views have emerged, reflecting the broader complexities surrounding tourism in Hawaii.
Hawaii tourism’s double-edged sword.
Tourism has a dual nature, and nowhere is that more apparent than on Maui and in Hawaii moreover. Long before the fires, tourism in Maui had been generating concerns among residents. Issues like lower-paying jobs, negative housing market impacts, traffic, and crowded beaches had long fueled discontent and resentment.
Challenges resulted in abundant calls for change, including a reduction in visitors and hotel moratoriums. These went unheeded for years. Following the fires, the governor has suggested that one possible housing solution, at least for those displaced, may be a Maui vacation rental moratorium.
While conflicting perspectives on Maui visitors continue, tourism remains depressed.
As you can see in the most recent state of Hawaii visitor arrival information image, a full recovery on Maui isn’t occurring in the short term. It’s been suggested that it could take until at least 2025 for that to happen fully. The question of returning visitors following the catastrophic fires has further polarized prior opinions and negatively impacted visitors planning Maui vacations. While some voices advocate for a middle ground, many express their views in stark terms, leading to a complete lack of consensus and obfuscated messaging.
Countless diverse comments have run the gamut from middle-of-the-road to both extremes, which sums up those we continue to receive. Today, we heard from the following readers:
1. Tammy said, “There is definitely a rift between those living on Maui that want two opposite solutions. One camp wants tourism to increase to help small businesses, employees whose jobs depend on the hotel/condo tourism, restaurants, etc. The second camp is the Hawaiians living on Maui who do not want tourism to come back – period. One doesn’t have to go far on social media to read/hear the comments- Tourists are not wanted. I feel that unless the two sides come together tourism on Maui remains flat.”
2. Linda proffered, “We were already being overrun with tourists before COVID and the wildfires. Please put a moratorium in place to stop any additional tourist accommodations and attractions. Focus on rebuilding the community and infrastructure. We do not need to bring the world of visitors here.”
3. Sandi added: “This will end poorly. I can see Maui going to hell in a hand-basket. Gov. does not want to offend the locals, so he is iffy in his decision-making. Nothing is happening, nothing is helped… West Maui’s 109 square miles make up 15% of the island. But that small percentage, according to HTA, has caused Maui and statewide tourism to suffer.”
4. Vicki just returned from Maui saying, “Most locals were glad we were shopping, spending money and they were grateful for the work with the influx of visitors. A very complex situation and my heart goes out to all the people that were affected by this fire.”
Nita’s centrist view: A resident of Lahaina, Nita acknowledged the enormous suffering incurred yet anticipates and welcomes the return of tourism, placing emphasis on the importance of jobs for the local economy.
A visitors’ dilemma: One visitor among many in similar circumstances, RM, was planning a trip to Wailea (South Maui), but remains torn between canceling plans out of respect for the tragedy that occurred or proceeding in order to support local businesses and workers. These concerns are exacerbated by social media posts.
Residents call for mindful visitors: Many comments have suggested visitors participate as volunteers and be part of the solution on Maui, also emphasizing the need for respect during a prolonged mourning period.
A compassionate visitor perspective: Highlighting the economic impact, one visitor, Linda, suggests that a lack of tourism to West Maui has severe consequences and that visitors should still come, but adjust and show empathy.
A fine line viewpoint: A Hawaii-centric travel agent, Susan said that she walks a fine line, acknowledging the tragedy while emphasizing the importance of supporting operating businesses to keep them open and to aid recovery.
South Maui community Insights: Other Maui residents, including Jamie and Guy, expressed the need for respectful Maui visitors, stating the economic importance of maintaining viability, including to the physically unaffected south side of Maui.
Tourism’s Economic Significance: Acknowledging that tourism is the sole economic driver, even Maui’s county council has emphasized the need for balance, recognizing the tourism sector’s importance while still striving to find an equilibrium.
In the aftermath of the Maui fires the ongoing debate surrounding tourism in Hawaii has intensified.
As the island grapples with recovery in multiple ways, finding a delicate balance between economic necessities associated with tourism and the community’s well-being remains the challenging but crucial task ahead.
Please help us by sharing your thoughts on what should come next for Maui.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
I’m just finishing up a beautiful stay in Costa Rica! The people here are amazing! Reminds of years ago in Hawaii. It is a beautiful place with volcanoes on the Pacific, great local food, the service is way over the top.
The natives here some of the healthiest in the world, their current oldest is 126. I’ll guarantee they don’t have Hawaiian travel guides steering up the mud.
The staff are all very friendly and appreciative of the tourists! The tourists are the ones giving them a very high standard of living.
Very little obesity in Costa Rica, wake up Hawaii!!
You can do whatever you want. I spent a lot of money and I’ll never return.
Pros:
Most beautiful spot I’ve ever traveled.
Best Poke’ Ever!
Cons:
Islanders hate me.
Islanders were very rude and just expected my money.
Crackheads were everywhere. No exaggeration.
I felt unsafe especially in Hana. It’s obvious they take “locals only” seriously.
I could not bring my handgun. Hawaii does not reciprocate with normal conceal and carry like other states.
Tourism needs to be controlled, but it is about the Money. Maybe preserve certain areas from tourists and work on the housing issues.
Hawaiian and Maui’ s Visitors bureau are still promoting and falsely advertising Lahaina as open. 10 square miles of Lahaina , over 2,000 houses, 50 boats , every Lahaina historic district site , 50 restaurants etc all burnt down.
Kaanapali area has had 5 fires and 2 recent evacuations.
Tourists are tired of paying 1st class prices on Maui , for 3rd world Infrastructure.
Not one official, bureau, visitors article has admitted the continued fire risk, the lack of emergency training and procedures, the lack of fire equipment, the lack of evacuation procedures, lack of hospitals, worn out parks, and no water in the fire hydrants.
I agree, Maui is not a safe place to visit. There are no life safety protocols in place. I would be willing to bet that the government is placing people in buildings without proper building fire sprinkler systems. They definitely don’t have enough water to extinguish a large hotel fire
The threats issued by the governor and the mayor of Maui regarding STRs underscores the abject lack of leadership around the Maui fires. The shortage of residential housing did not happen overnight. It resulted from years of the kicking the can down the road, allowing massive hotel development without requiring these behemoths to solve the worker-housing shortages they were creating. To threaten individual STR owners who won’t “get with the(ir) program” is disgusting. Meanwhile I am sure they are raking in the lobbying dollars spent by hotels bent on continuing their free ride. Want the mom and pop STR owners to house displaced fire victims? Then cover their costs! Tax the hotels to generate the revenue. Grow a spine.
Sadly, until Maui comes up with enough non tourist jobs to support their economy, they need tourists. Either enjoy them or leave Maui.
Its always about the Money
The government of Hawaii need to stop legislating based on Social Media comments. The extremists should not be the matter of rule.
Some of us are being priced out of a vacation to Maui, not by the locals, but by the condo owners who have raised prices exhoberantly to the extent of us going elsewhere. We love Maui and its residents and would love to visit and help out by spending money. We landed in August 2023 when the fires started and our condo rate was $300/night. The same condo is listed at $375 with higher fees and taxes, pushing the totals beyond what we are willing to pay. Not all of us previous visitors can afford the increase. We still pray for the victims of the Lahaina fires.
I think that’s the intent. Whether intentionally or not, I think that Hawaii is effectively moving toward getting fewer, higher spending travelers. This would solve both the problem of maintaining the tourist based economy And reducing the impact on the environment as well as the overcrowding they have suffered from for years.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Maui has become a 3rd world destination at a 1st class price.
Many hotels were allowed to tear down there hotel workers housing and build timeshare towers .
Tourism revenue was not reinvested in Maui, it was spent on Oahu. The housing shortage was increased by the County of Maui allowing long term housing in houses, condos and farms convert to vacation rentals . There was no shortage of hotel rooms , vacation zoned condos but someone benefitted as Maui lost,!
I agree with the “going to hell in a handbasket” comment above.
Unless Maui leaders quickly put together a believable plan for 3000 new single family residences in 18-24 months, no one will rent to fire victims. Without an exit strategy, this plan is doomed to bring hurt to all parties.
Maui deserves better leadership but has never had it, too much crony-ism.
What about the Federal disaster funds ?
The tourism now is tolerable for the first time in many years.
We have to live our lives here without feeling overrun by tourism.
I’m curious which demographic you would describe yourself as. Are you retired, semi retired, financially dependent, self employed or a professional/contractor ultimately funded by tax revenues. Time does not turn a decade or tens of decades to a pastoral pre European age when life was simple, population low and resources abundant. The economic engine of West Maui was destroyed August 2023 as well as the homes of most of its local residents. Leadership of Maui needs to open a form for written submission by every property owner and resident alike to understand better, develop a plan, create a new community, more inclusive, more sustainable and one which enhances local pride and welcomes visitors again to enrich life for everyone.
I’m curious which demographic you would describe yourself as. Are you retired, semi retired, financially dependent, self employed or a professional/contractor ultimately funded by tax revenues. Time does not turn back a decade or tens of decades to a pastoral pre European age when life was simple, population low and resources abundant. The economic engine of West Maui was destroyed August 2023 as well as the homes of most of its local residents. Leadership of Maui needs to open a forum for written submission by every property owner and resident alike to understand better, develop a plan, create a new community, more inclusive, more sustainable and one which enhances local pride and welcomes visitors again to enrich life for everyone.
Yes the Maui fires are very sad indeed. I really do not know what the local residences folks affected by the fires are going to do ; it is a sad state of affairs . I say to all who are pondering traveling to Maui “live your life and just Go ! Enjoys the incredible wonders of the Valley Island . I spent 24 days in Lahaina area (Ka’anapali) & (Hana) Oct. 20th to Nov. 12th 2023. I was met with very friendly Maui locals some were just so nice it was touching . I also am perceptive and I definitely got the feeling from some that were not welcoming and I had a few yell profanities. But while it bothered me at the ignorance and lack of emotional intelligence , I will turn the other cheek and enjoy Maui and try to be supportive. I am going back
Just got back from Kaanapali. Our 7th trip to the state, 2nd to Maui. Despite the tragedy, Maui is beautiful, majestic and glorious. Glad we didn’t cancel.
They need you.
This trip was unique because I was not expecting pure escape – I was angry before and after. Angry for the loss of life&livelihood. These fires could have been prevented & the govt doesn’t know what they’re doing, seemingly unable to do right by anyone. All these beautiful people who are dealing with their lives changed, those not directly impacted also completely stressed. Everyone was so lovely but they are upside-down surviving for now.
The New governor, Josh Green has just started his term in office. Give him a chance to solve issues. Problems have existed for years and years. Infrastructure is lacking especially the electrical grid and water systems. It will take time to improve.
There has to be a meeting of the minds. The left hand holds natives with long term tourist frustration dating back from the 18th century and the right hand smartly understands that tourism and military defense are the two largest sectors. Albeit, both have taken a huge environmental toll. Hawaiʻi is getting drier and hotter so the climate change needs immediate attention to protect the fragile islands whether tourism regains strength or not. The flora and fauna need more rest than the locals. Toss a coconut, I don’t see an easy or longterm remedy to this difficult situation.
The most important thing we can all do is to get involved and support climate change initiatives. Do what you can as residents and property owners to reduce your carbon footprint. Learn enough about politics to identify which party and person has the planet and climate change as a priority. Instead of empty plantation fields growing dry weeds and brush, how about installing fields of solar panels to lessen the need for burning oil to generate electricity. I’m sure if we put our heads together we can plan and build wonderful solutions for the future of this fragile Island paradise.
Handling of the Maui fire survivors was and still is a disaster. There have been muti millions donated. The money sent was with the intention of helping survivors. That cash should have and still could be given direct to them. I visited when west Maui first opened, there should not be a need for distribution centers. Get rid of them, give people the cash so they can determine their destiny, where they wish to live, what food to buy, not some bureaucrats. Give them back their lives, to decide on their own who to support with their own money.
mahalo my heart goes out to the people of hawaii period all peoples i love hawaii i visited last summer2022 in june to oahu loved it the north shore ,bishop museum,the queen palace was nice so was shangrila dorris duke old home i love history and support small bussiness i want to visit maui ive always wanted to see lahiana before it was destroy by the fires i have mixed feelings on this i want to help the people but i dont want to intrude on sacred ground either i was thinking of going to hana pieia mommas fish house like i said probably return to oahu for now later maui ….i feel for hawaii people my heart belongs in hawaii i felt this as i landed there last year i feel apart of something bigger than me there thats for sure ….
We returned from a one week trip to Maui in November and were welcomed warmly by the locals wherever we went. We did not expect to be “entertained” and kept our daily activities very low key, although we did some volunteer work. Before going I was on several Facebook groups devoted to Maui and got tired of the constant negative comments, so I dropped them. Fortunately, we did not encounter this negativity while we were visiting.
First I feel really bad for the residents who lost their homes. But the negativity toward tourism is maybe a scapegoat for a terrible natural disaster. I was there for five weeks this fall, I did not encounter any of the anti-tourism that is rampant on the internet and in media… Including during helping with disaster relief food distribution. As usual a few with really loud voices are overpowering the majority. People need jobs…isn’t it really sad to think no place to live, and no job? This is also economic disaster.
I have traveling to Maui since 1982 and have seen the island grow from 25K to 170K residents. How many residents can live there without tourism jobs? Yes re-make the economy…but who will do that?
I applaud your volunteer work, but really, lets give them some dignity back. Give them the cash that was donated. They can go to the store and buy what they need, not some items that bureaucrats think they need. The distribution centers should be long gone! They were an initial vital resource, but when power was restored and stores opened,
Cash is what the victims need to get on with their lives. The government and it’s mismanagement is not what I would want. If I was a survivor, I would want the money donated and let me figure out where to live and buy food and clothes.
While supporting the local business and being proud!
Cash how much cash per person ? What will happen when some individuals squander that cash? I dare to say that the Government both Federal, State , and Local will all want their share of the cash hand out .
The donations.that were given out do need to be accounted for and publicly shown where they are going to.
I Definity agree about balancing tourism on Maui right now and I feel for them as they struggle through this.
However, the negative posts are having an impact on the other islands as well. Some potential visitors don’t seem to understand that Hawaii is not one island that it is made up of several and those islands were not impacted by the fire.
I have read a lot of negative comments from people who do not feel welcome in Hawaii, and they are going elsewhere. Hawaii cannot survive without tourism.
The government can play a role in the balance, example, instead of advertising trails and that are part of neighborhoods encourage people to visit areas not in people’s backyards. That has been a problem on the Big Island.
“Some potential visitors don’t seem to understand that Hawaii is not one island that it is made up of several and those islands were not impacted by the fire.”
I would thing no one is that ignorant (or they could at least use Google Maps), but I used to watch those Jay Leno bits where he would ask people on the street things like identifying Canada or the Pacific Ocean on a map, and they could not do so.
David B, I agree. While there is no excuse for ignorance in this day of techology, ignorance is growing. The “dumbing down of the World” is real!…….unfortunately and we are All going to pay for it. It all starts in the home. Parents need to raise their children or not have them, if they can not afford them, or have time to teach them faith, values, respect, education. Oh stop me here…I could go on and on….. But, yes, we shake our heads when Jimmy Kimmel goes out on the street to ask basic 3rd grade questions that 5 out of 5 do not know the answer! . So while I have never witnessed disrespect while visiting, or ignoramous indiviuals, it must be so.
It’s a horrific time in Maui…how are we going to deal with it? No income for many on West Side if you push to keep the tourists out. When the Red Cross/FEMA money stops, a call to tourists to come back will be heard. Many will not survive if you wait til everyone is happy to see tourists. If you message don’t come!, they will not come. If allowed to be organic, the tourists will come gradually, and those who do will be considerate of the situation. Tourists provide revenue to all locals. Set a date and open up, everyone will adjust to the idea and prepare for it, like the Banyon Tree, new life will emerge.
There’s another narrative. Social ugliness. A shadow of dark behavior is beginning to emerge in some West Maui tourist areas where there was no such notion before. And it makes me nervous. Example: On the Kaanapali boardwalk where, in the evening, I see groups of persons gather in shadows, with conversations that often include loud profanities — sometimes directed at those walking the path. Frankly, I asked my wife not to walk alone along the boardwalk after sunset anymore. She agreed. The feeling of safety and security in numbers is waning.
Wow. We really loved walking on the path on Kannapali. That was one of the reasons we loved that area so much. We could walk from the Hyatt Regency down to the Sheraton with stopping at Whalers Village. With this new information, we are now canceling our January vacation to Maui. We don’t want to go where we don’t feel safe. To many other places we can vacation at.
Not sure I’d cancel. If you like walking that path it’s still there – with far fewer people on it right now. The worrisome impressions were real but mostly after 8pm. My deeper concerns will be when the money runs out and people become more desperate. The fire’s repercussions will be felt for years. We all need to be proactive in our own ways to save a beautiful place and way of life.
So….don’t go out after 8 pm ? Really…stay shut up in your hotel room and watch TV..like you can at home !
I still feel so conflicted about returning to Maui that is makes me stop before even starting. I’m not sure what it will take for me to feel comfortable again. And that even before the too high prices! For now I’m visiting other destinations.
Here’s an honest response: no visitor wants to be dealing with *any* of this. I am not going to sit here and try to read, incorporate, and respond to a thousand different opinions on what is “mindful,” or “appropriate,” or “compassionate.” Nor are we going to engage in performative “mindful volunteering” or similar genuflecting at the altar of “appropriate concern.”
It’s a resounding “no” to all of it. What most nonresidents hear through all of this halting word salad: “We dislike you, and we don’t want you.” Good. Thank you for letting us know where you stand. We’ve written off Hawaii unless and until visitors are welcome.
I agree with you, Jack. But, FWIW, when we flew to Maui back in early October (not to stay on Maui – but to catch a flight over to Kauai from there), we sat next to a “middle aged” married couple who stated the purpose of their trip was to “help” however they could as volunteers. That’s hardly a “vacation” however “respectful” it may be, but that’s their thing.
Personally, I do my part to help by drinking a lot of beer brewed/sold by Maui brewing. Least I can do.
Could not have summarized it better, so sick of “mindful visitor”, “treat locals with respect”, “learn about our culture if you want to visit”,etc.
On top of that, I see visitors defending themselves and their actions to accommodate this narrative, so frustrating.
I’ve always been curious regarding what the anti-tourism people see as a replacement for the tourism economy.
I’ve heard agriculture. Unfortunately its highly mechanized and employs very few people. We had agriculture before (remember sugar?) and decided it was evil and killed it.
The cost of doing business here is so high that few if any businesses would consider locating here. Additionally, our educational system has failed us so spectacularly, that we do not have a sufficiently educated workforce for a modern economy.
Labor costs are so high that remote work won’t be done here. The Philippines, India and Ireland are far cheaper.
So what is the proposed plan for diversification?
Continued from above…
The only thing keeping Maui afloat at present is the massive influx of federal dollars and private charity. What happens when (not if, but when) these funds dry up?
The current steps taken by the State and County are leaving budgetary holes you can drive a truck through.
I see a reckoning in our near future and I do not see steps being taken to mitigate it. There is, unfortunately, another disaster on the horizon.
That’s the issue. Damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. Tourism alone creates all kinds of issues (traffic, over crowed beaches, etc, etc.), but what to replace it with? As Bob K said, the logical solution is high tech, but that’s got some issues associated with it as he mentioned. But in the end, Hawaii needs to find Something, or the problem is just going to continue to get worse. The main problem with tourism, like any business, is that it must grow or die. THAT means more tourists tomorrow than today and even more the next, and the next… Since Hawaii has finite resources, it can’t support infinite growth like that and we see the beginning of the end.
No growth is maybe an answer, but dumping tourism is a disaster for everyone there. Most tax revenues are from tourism related business and hotel, timeshare, and vacation rental property tax. School funds, park funds, basic services like fire and police will suffer…and increase unemployment which also adds more expenses.
During our last trip to Maui in 2020, just after the island reopened from the COVID lockdowns, all of the vendors/shop owners we dealt with were overjoyed to see tourism resume. I’m sure most of them feel the same way now since the island’s economy is primarily tourism based. I understand many residents may not agree with them, and that’s understandable, but it makes me wonder if those who are vehemently opposed to tourism really understand that it’s a necessary evil that’s sorely needed to drive the economy.
Aloha,
As someone deeply embedded in Hawai’i’s tourism landscape—an STR owner, local homeowner, & with native ‘ohana roots here—I see the critical need for a diversified economy. Our heavy reliance on tourism, driven by government inaction, leaves us vulnerable to market fluctuations & diminishes local voices. It’s time for change. Diversifying revenue sources will empower residents, mitigate tourism’s impact, & stabilize our budget. Politicians who fail to recognize this are likely to face consequences. Hawai’i must evolve. The message is clear, for now – we need tourists so we can pay our bills & feed our families. Respect shouldn’t have to be reminded to tourists, it should be expected.
Mahalo
and what do you propose Hawaii diversifies to? Being in the middle of the Pacific makes everything more expensive to ship to and from there? Agriculture moved away because it was cheaper somewhere else… Utilities are super high because oil needs to be shipped in to generate power? Water is a tight resource so houses can’t just be built without planning? The best part about Hawaii is it’s part of the states, so no passport needed, no currency exchange, and it’s in the tropics. Hawaii is a beautiful state, but outside the location (for it’s great weather and it’s strategic location in the pacific) it really doesn’t have any other resources to lure business (and generate cash)
Diversified economy starts with locals starting new businesses. Do not wait for someone else to do it for you because they won’t. Government needs to get out of the way. They won’t because needy people vote for them. Sad state of affairs.
What kind of business do you suggest that they start that aren’t tourism dependent? I think you’re oversimplify the problem.
We are contemplating a trip to Maui in April of 2025. Usually, we book our condos a year in advance, staying a week or more in West Maui and a week or more in South Maui. I guess the question is whether to go ahead with the West Maui stay. We don’t want to intrude upon residents. Yeah we’re talking a year from now, so things will change somewhat, but there will still be ongoing issues. We do want to support recovery and that means visiting and going on excursions as we usually do…and restaurants and Slack Key shows, etc. If people avoid West Maui, how can people heal without jobs? Before the fires, we chose ways to contribute when we visited, and we will keep doing that. 🙏 Still praying for Maui.
We go to maui every year to see the whales. We are very respectful of the beautiful area and appreciate the locals. We support as many businesses and servers as possible. We have always felt welcome and had great service. We have reservations for next year in kaanapali during whale season but are getting mixed signals on whether we should go. Our condo tells us our reservation is still on but could change if they need for locals. That leaves me hanging and not knowing if I should change area or wait and see. If they cancel us last minute then what?? If locals need our room that’s OK but the not knowing is frustrating.
I contend that the two side are populated by those who need to work and need jobs, and those who have other sources of income, for example retirement or welfare, and do not need to work. Makes sense of their divergent views.
Also, I have read that the majority of volunteer relief workers are visitors or people from out of state associated with charitable relief organizations, not locals. Apologies if I am ill informed on that.
Much Aloha Maui
We are fearful of traveling to Maui because we might be disrespected by the locals. Disrespect (a comment, a look, whatever) from just one or two locals would make us feel like we should’ve gone somewhere else for our vacation. I don’t want to take that chance.
We Just returned a week ago from a trip to West Maui, one of our favorite spots on earth. This was the first time we returned since Covid cancelled 2 scheduled trips. We stayed in a townhome in Napili. The beach was practically deserted but oh so beautiful. It was so sad to drive past the devastation in Lahaina, broke our hearts. But the locals we ran into were very warm and seemed happy to have us there. From shop owners in Kaanapali, to servers at local restaurants, everyone was warm and friendly. We had meaningful conversations with many locals about how they were doing. Don’t be afraid to visit. Just be a good guest! We had a Lovely time!
Nothing new here, it’s the same problem that Hawaii in general is struggling with, but brought to a new level by the fires. The hard truth is that Hawaii, and Maui, are economically dependent on tourism because they have little else to drive their economy. This gives the tourism industry tremendous power in Hawaiian politics. The long term solution is to find additional industries to drive the Hawaiian economy. In the short term, trying to find a balance of enough tourism is going to be tough. Fewer tourists that spend more seems to be the only way out, but that idea gets a lot of folks on the mainland all kinds of upset.
Know what Maui without the tourism industry would be? A larger Molokai. I know what life is like there because I have ohana there. Collectively trying to act like an ostrich with its head in the sand while the world passes you by. The biggest excitement is the arrival of the monthly welfare dime.
Molokai is one of the only places in the U.S. where there is no limit on the time you can receive welfare. It’s what props up the island economy while any development (even the most positive kind) is howled down by a relative minority.
I’m no fan of unchecked tourism and I truly hate what overdevelopment has done to our paradise but there has to be a viable balance between economic activity and quality of life.
Best Regards
I think short term rentals have a huge impact on the lack of homes. I admit I have used an Airbnb (not in Hawaii) and it’s quite convenient. But a while back I looked at a map of short term rentals in Ocean Beach (San Diego, CA) and was shocked at how many houses were for short term rentals. No wonder there aren’t enough houses for the general public. We’re choosing money over people.