There is another glitch with respect to the state commandeering timeshare properties for which owners hold a fee simple real property deed, as contrasted to the more usual timeshare ownership based upon a point scheme and a contract with the developer.
I own a fee simple deed to my timeshare located in one of the developments in west Maui and am not pleased with the prospect of the state taking over my timeshare via eminent domain without due process (in which I would strongly protest even if the compensation were at fair market value).
How many other fee simple deeded owners have similar circumstances?
Just returned yesterday from a 2 1/2 week stay in Kihei. The overwhelming sentiment prevailing in the papers, TV news and radio was “come on over”. We supported small businesses and restaurants while tipping liberally. All we spoke with where thankful and gracious. The anti-tourism sniping is hard to figure. Like it or not, 82% of Maui’s economy is dependent on visitors (according to the New York Times). I’ll be back to Kihei in December for another long stay. Trying to support Maui/Lahaina in that manner. Aloha to all.
I am a small town gal from mid-west Mainland.. THE Big lesson Learned are priorities were always Focused on the well-being of Hawaiians’ people.This (was) the most beautiful experience. It even healed froma traumatic childhood as most people visiting there gravitated to this attitude! It obviously still goes on, but with all the corporate resort/restaurant,etc. growth, it is diluted just like world-wide.I’ll give up my vacation to heal these folks.They Should Not ever be displaced!Let’s face it, the resorts are overcharging anyway. The phase out system is a plan!Let 8K stay; any open rooms be rented.The displaced also need to be welcoming open rooms that have to be rented for tourists, there are more than 8k rooms on W. Maui!
The last thing Governor Green & Maui Mayor Bissen want to deal with is social media videos of displaced Lahaina residents being thrown out of temp westside housing tourists with no place to go.
As long as the displaced have free temp housing there will be no motivation on their part to find permanent housing off island.
Nice catch 22
Who’s the winner here? Why Wailea resorts who are charging astronomical prices for booked stays.
Our tour group was scheduled to stay at the Hyatt Regency resort on Kaanapali Beach the last weekend in October, but the travel agency moved us to AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea.
Selfishly I feel this has gone on too long. I have a timeshare at a great expense – Hyatt and when we visit at the end of October – the pools are still likely to be closed as to spare the people being housed at the Hotel side. Being from an area that has had thousands of homes burnt to the grown twice and nothing ever closing down, I can’t see the point of losing so much money either by the County or the people personally. It is time to start living again. (I know – easy for me to say). I weep for Maui and the people on a daily basis when I think of what is and has happened. We have supported with donations to sever agencies beginning on the very first day and will continue to do so and will volunteer when we get there.
This is exactly what I expected to happen, and I was very surprised to see that both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are offering flight specials that include the very hotels that will most likely be the last to open. The Honolulu Civil newsletter, which we have been receiving regularly, has the most thorough, thoughtful, and up-to-date articles about what is happening in Maui, and reading it has convinced me that putting the people who need housing first will take priority over opening West Maui, as it should. And the articles make it clear that arbitrary opening dates are not helping anyone, including visitors who might be booking the flight/hotel specials without realizing they could then have to cancel (again, for some of us).
I hate to tell the mayor that they cannot announce an opening for weeks and then, just days before, change the plans. I have reservations and time off work. I guess I will have Kaanapali to myself. I just hope I don’t get threatened or harassed.
The one thing that I have discovered by following other social media is that the ones whining the most about reopening of the west side are those that have no stake whatsoever in whether or not it reopens at all because their anti tourism sentiments have been spewed all over the place. And sadly, the one thing that they just will not accept is that the Kingdom of Hawaii is Never coming back so still carrying on about it is about as effective as “sign waving”!
After the flooding of New Orleans from Katrina, tens of thousands of the people from New Orleans moved to adjacent and far away states and other Louisiana cities in northern Louisiana until the recovery and rebuilding were well underway or completed in New Orleans.
The jobs and buildings in Lahaina are not going to come back for years. The people of New Orleans got on with their lives elsewhere until they decided it was time to come back.
The people who are displaced from Lahaina who do not have jobs in the Kaanapali area should relocate to Wailuku, Kahului, other towns in Hawaii, or on the mainland ASAP so they can get on with their lives and let the recovery of Lahaina get underway.
Sorry, but no. New Orleans is a large city on the mainland from where it is easy to drive in almost any direction and find other major cities willing and able to accommodate refugees. Maui is a small island and, excepting Honolulu, almost a five hour flight to any metropolitan center with the housing, schools, food and other infrastructure that is needed. Also, the expectation from you and other commenters here that this crisis, merely eight weeks old, should have been resolve by now is breathtaking in its naiveté.
I see “Hawaiian Time” laziness in government combining with anti-tourism local attitude and ignorance of where government money comes from. Shooting oneself in the foot makes walking difficult. Continuing to do so and you bleed to death.
As someone who is traveling to kaanapali starting Oct 19th (after pushing it out to as requested by the gov) I’m more confused then ever after reading this. I thought kaanapali was “open” after 10/8 ? The mixed messages are really confusing and concerning.
We also are scheduled for Kahana 10/19-10-26 and the Westin 10/26-10/31. I just spoke to the Westin concierge desk and they expect us as scheduled. This is all very confusing and I have to cancel by 10/3 to not lose my time share points, shich would be quite expensive.
My thoughts exactly, Paul! It’s just never ending with their decision changes.
Here’s a question: If we own a time share or any other residential property in Maui, are we called tourist as well?
You know…We pay property taxes and high fees for our stays and look forward to going to be at peace without offending anyone. What part of this doesn’t make sense here?
The Hawaiin Government has really made a mess of this beautiful Island.
I have been an owner since the late 90’s in the Kahana area paying taxes and fees. We are scheduled to visit our place the end of October. I called the property to express our sincere condolences and see how they were doing. I was told I shouldn’t visit. The person said they were the manager went on at a very loud and aggressive voice to tell me we are being inconsiderate; they are still grieving. I tried to express my sympathy & empathy but was told not to speak. I told this person I had put together care packets I was planning on bringing with me and was told they don’t need them not to bother there “Own” are taking care of them. She said all they need is housing. Any guess on where they are currently being housed?
The information come out of Hawaii is misleading. Maui above Hyatt Kaanapali Beach -is open to owners of time shares now. So really not sure why this misinformation is being sent out. If they don’t want any tourists then you might consider closing the airport or not allowing any flights from the mainland to land at OGG until all of the island is open for tourists.
And yet, the HTA is planning to spend $2.6 MM to woo tourists back, for what? The continual pitting of tourists vs. residents will cause irreparable economic damage with the message that tourists are not welcome, people will vote with their dollars and go elsewhere. The FEMA support is not limitless, and then what? Will the residents be able to foot the bill to stay in the hotels that were ironically available due to the tourists and federal gov’t they so despise? The response and reaction by the local government and residents is comical.
Hello, we just returned from West Maui yesterday. First, let me say how welcoming and grateful the people were. We were thanked continually for coming. Everyone I asked, encouraged us to get the word out that visitors are welcome and needed now.
This said, West Maui is not ready for the normal influx of visitors but, with the availability of lodging being restricted to the north and to privately owned rentals, that won’t happen. If you can secure lodging, please go. You will be welcomed. In fact, West Maui needs you. All you need to do is show respect at all times. Even volunteering somewhere as we did. Several restaurants opened while we were there, including the Hula Grill. The beaches were beautiful and uncrowded. Go!
Thanks for the information. I am going on October 8, and this latest proclamation blew my mind. Your experience eases my concerns about not being welcomed.
Thank you for the encouragement ! I will be arriving in Kaanapali on October 20th . I have my reservations at The Hula Grill on the 23rd I hope long time hostess’s ” Sharky and sister Kini are OK. I need suggestions on where I may (volunteer) as I will be in Maui for 23 days . Suggestions are welcome ! Mahalo
We are here now. Everyone has been welcoming and many thanked us for being here, even on the west side. Not sure if its been mentioned, but you can see the devastation traveling by lahaina town. Volunteer for a day…maui strong and the humane society are a couple but there are many more that need help. Mahalo
Another poor decision by Governor Green. More concerned about the $13M loss of tourist revenue than about the displaced residents of Lahaina that are currently being housed at the tourist resorts. Prior to the Lahaina fire there was minimal affordable housing available to Maui residents. What is his plan to house these displaced families.? What tourists would enjoy their vacation in Maui knowing that a family who has lost everything was evicted from the room they are now vacationing in. Governor Green always about the $$$. Oh and lets add more taxes and fees on the returning tourists. Business as usual and damn the residents
Seven of us rescheduled our vacation at the Westin Kaanapali from 9/15 for two weeks to 11/1 for two weeks. Flights, car rentals etc. had to be changed bc of the lockdown. Now their is uncertainty again. Any more information would be very helpful.
I belong to a private Facebook group for Westin Ka’anapali owners. They are taking/honoring bookings of Westin owners. Several people have posted about their experiences (starting a couple weeks ago) and they are enjoying fairly empty resorts, dining at Hula Grill, Duke’s, etc. (leaving big tips), and they specifically express how welcomed they have been. Also to a person, those who have already headed to Maui have purchased gift cards for local stores (and Amazon) to give employees, and also have connected with various organizations with whom they can volunteer. Sounds like a win-win to me. Thank you BOH for keeping us updated in a complex situation.
As a visitor with an October trip to West Maui this has been extremely complicated to follow. First it’s closed until 10/17, then it’s “it’s not technically closed it’s just discouraged” and that businesses need tourist dollars to keep going. Then there’s this side that just wants visitors to stay away indefinitely. Now there’s a phased approach announced a little under two weeks before the reopening? People plan these trips months and sometimes a year or more in advance it’s not easy to just change up the dates/location.
I would never in my life Ever go to gawk at a disaster area. Kind of wish I cancelled my trip and went somewhere else.
You’re right, planning trips such as Maui are time consuming and changes are disruptive. However, empathetically, Maui locals have been significantly impacted by this tragic event. Can you imagine the changes they that are adjusting to? Maybe canceling your Maui trip is wise, because based on your comments, you’re the kind of tourist locals don’t want visiting at this time.
I’ve mentioned in an earlier response to a post that many local business I have reached out to via social media are welcoming tourist and locals alike. Many have said they have had to lay off employees. I am deeply saddened by the loss of the lives and land. That being said though we will be in the Kapalua area next week and will try to patron as many local shops as possible with respect and understanding of what some may be going through. Everyone grieves in different ways.
I don’t have all the answers . But FEMA and the Red Cross had applications to fill out for displaced Mauians for long term housing aid ! I would think phase 3 reopening in Kaanapali “Black Rock ” my happen in November to allow more time to gets this sorted .
There is only so much money the state and FEMA can pay out. Hawaii does not have enough housing for the displaced resident. That said, the displaced residents will need to move to other areas on the island, other islands or the mainland to live until Lahaina can be rebuilt. It will take years. . Hopefully the state and FEMA can help out with discounted rents, moving costs, etc. Ironically Hawaii depends on tourism and without it, many residents have no jobs to live on. This happened in the pandemic. There are many organizations receiving donations and hopefully that money is going to the residents. We love Maui and have a timeshare in Kaanapali. We will come back eventually.
Can you post a map of the three phases?
There is another glitch with respect to the state commandeering timeshare properties for which owners hold a fee simple real property deed, as contrasted to the more usual timeshare ownership based upon a point scheme and a contract with the developer.
I own a fee simple deed to my timeshare located in one of the developments in west Maui and am not pleased with the prospect of the state taking over my timeshare via eminent domain without due process (in which I would strongly protest even if the compensation were at fair market value).
How many other fee simple deeded owners have similar circumstances?
Jim E
Just returned yesterday from a 2 1/2 week stay in Kihei. The overwhelming sentiment prevailing in the papers, TV news and radio was “come on over”. We supported small businesses and restaurants while tipping liberally. All we spoke with where thankful and gracious. The anti-tourism sniping is hard to figure. Like it or not, 82% of Maui’s economy is dependent on visitors (according to the New York Times). I’ll be back to Kihei in December for another long stay. Trying to support Maui/Lahaina in that manner. Aloha to all.
I am a small town gal from mid-west Mainland.. THE Big lesson Learned are priorities were always Focused on the well-being of Hawaiians’ people.This (was) the most beautiful experience. It even healed froma traumatic childhood as most people visiting there gravitated to this attitude! It obviously still goes on, but with all the corporate resort/restaurant,etc. growth, it is diluted just like world-wide.I’ll give up my vacation to heal these folks.They Should Not ever be displaced!Let’s face it, the resorts are overcharging anyway. The phase out system is a plan!Let 8K stay; any open rooms be rented.The displaced also need to be welcoming open rooms that have to be rented for tourists, there are more than 8k rooms on W. Maui!
The last thing Governor Green & Maui Mayor Bissen want to deal with is social media videos of displaced Lahaina residents being thrown out of temp westside housing tourists with no place to go.
As long as the displaced have free temp housing there will be no motivation on their part to find permanent housing off island.
Nice catch 22
Who’s the winner here? Why Wailea resorts who are charging astronomical prices for booked stays.
Why would they want to find permanent housing off-island? Hawaii is their home; they’re fighting to stay home!
Our tour group was scheduled to stay at the Hyatt Regency resort on Kaanapali Beach the last weekend in October, but the travel agency moved us to AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea.
Selfishly I feel this has gone on too long. I have a timeshare at a great expense – Hyatt and when we visit at the end of October – the pools are still likely to be closed as to spare the people being housed at the Hotel side. Being from an area that has had thousands of homes burnt to the grown twice and nothing ever closing down, I can’t see the point of losing so much money either by the County or the people personally. It is time to start living again. (I know – easy for me to say). I weep for Maui and the people on a daily basis when I think of what is and has happened. We have supported with donations to sever agencies beginning on the very first day and will continue to do so and will volunteer when we get there.
This is exactly what I expected to happen, and I was very surprised to see that both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are offering flight specials that include the very hotels that will most likely be the last to open. The Honolulu Civil newsletter, which we have been receiving regularly, has the most thorough, thoughtful, and up-to-date articles about what is happening in Maui, and reading it has convinced me that putting the people who need housing first will take priority over opening West Maui, as it should. And the articles make it clear that arbitrary opening dates are not helping anyone, including visitors who might be booking the flight/hotel specials without realizing they could then have to cancel (again, for some of us).
I hate to tell the mayor that they cannot announce an opening for weeks and then, just days before, change the plans. I have reservations and time off work. I guess I will have Kaanapali to myself. I just hope I don’t get threatened or harassed.
The one thing that I have discovered by following other social media is that the ones whining the most about reopening of the west side are those that have no stake whatsoever in whether or not it reopens at all because their anti tourism sentiments have been spewed all over the place. And sadly, the one thing that they just will not accept is that the Kingdom of Hawaii is Never coming back so still carrying on about it is about as effective as “sign waving”!
After the flooding of New Orleans from Katrina, tens of thousands of the people from New Orleans moved to adjacent and far away states and other Louisiana cities in northern Louisiana until the recovery and rebuilding were well underway or completed in New Orleans.
The jobs and buildings in Lahaina are not going to come back for years. The people of New Orleans got on with their lives elsewhere until they decided it was time to come back.
The people who are displaced from Lahaina who do not have jobs in the Kaanapali area should relocate to Wailuku, Kahului, other towns in Hawaii, or on the mainland ASAP so they can get on with their lives and let the recovery of Lahaina get underway.
Sorry, but no. New Orleans is a large city on the mainland from where it is easy to drive in almost any direction and find other major cities willing and able to accommodate refugees. Maui is a small island and, excepting Honolulu, almost a five hour flight to any metropolitan center with the housing, schools, food and other infrastructure that is needed. Also, the expectation from you and other commenters here that this crisis, merely eight weeks old, should have been resolve by now is breathtaking in its naiveté.
I see “Hawaiian Time” laziness in government combining with anti-tourism local attitude and ignorance of where government money comes from. Shooting oneself in the foot makes walking difficult. Continuing to do so and you bleed to death.
As someone who is traveling to kaanapali starting Oct 19th (after pushing it out to as requested by the gov) I’m more confused then ever after reading this. I thought kaanapali was “open” after 10/8 ? The mixed messages are really confusing and concerning.
We also are scheduled for Kahana 10/19-10-26 and the Westin 10/26-10/31. I just spoke to the Westin concierge desk and they expect us as scheduled. This is all very confusing and I have to cancel by 10/3 to not lose my time share points, shich would be quite expensive.
My thoughts exactly, Paul! It’s just never ending with their decision changes.
Here’s a question: If we own a time share or any other residential property in Maui, are we called tourist as well?
You know…We pay property taxes and high fees for our stays and look forward to going to be at peace without offending anyone. What part of this doesn’t make sense here?
The Hawaiin Government has really made a mess of this beautiful Island.
I have been an owner since the late 90’s in the Kahana area paying taxes and fees. We are scheduled to visit our place the end of October. I called the property to express our sincere condolences and see how they were doing. I was told I shouldn’t visit. The person said they were the manager went on at a very loud and aggressive voice to tell me we are being inconsiderate; they are still grieving. I tried to express my sympathy & empathy but was told not to speak. I told this person I had put together care packets I was planning on bringing with me and was told they don’t need them not to bother there “Own” are taking care of them. She said all they need is housing. Any guess on where they are currently being housed?
The information come out of Hawaii is misleading. Maui above Hyatt Kaanapali Beach -is open to owners of time shares now. So really not sure why this misinformation is being sent out. If they don’t want any tourists then you might consider closing the airport or not allowing any flights from the mainland to land at OGG until all of the island is open for tourists.
And yet, the HTA is planning to spend $2.6 MM to woo tourists back, for what? The continual pitting of tourists vs. residents will cause irreparable economic damage with the message that tourists are not welcome, people will vote with their dollars and go elsewhere. The FEMA support is not limitless, and then what? Will the residents be able to foot the bill to stay in the hotels that were ironically available due to the tourists and federal gov’t they so despise? The response and reaction by the local government and residents is comical.
Hello, we just returned from West Maui yesterday. First, let me say how welcoming and grateful the people were. We were thanked continually for coming. Everyone I asked, encouraged us to get the word out that visitors are welcome and needed now.
This said, West Maui is not ready for the normal influx of visitors but, with the availability of lodging being restricted to the north and to privately owned rentals, that won’t happen. If you can secure lodging, please go. You will be welcomed. In fact, West Maui needs you. All you need to do is show respect at all times. Even volunteering somewhere as we did. Several restaurants opened while we were there, including the Hula Grill. The beaches were beautiful and uncrowded. Go!
Thanks for the information. I am going on October 8, and this latest proclamation blew my mind. Your experience eases my concerns about not being welcomed.
We are headed there in a week. Where did you volunteer and is it suitable for a well behaved 9 year old? Thank you!
Thank you for the encouragement ! I will be arriving in Kaanapali on October 20th . I have my reservations at The Hula Grill on the 23rd I hope long time hostess’s ” Sharky and sister Kini are OK. I need suggestions on where I may (volunteer) as I will be in Maui for 23 days . Suggestions are welcome ! Mahalo
We are here now. Everyone has been welcoming and many thanked us for being here, even on the west side. Not sure if its been mentioned, but you can see the devastation traveling by lahaina town. Volunteer for a day…maui strong and the humane society are a couple but there are many more that need help. Mahalo
Another poor decision by Governor Green. More concerned about the $13M loss of tourist revenue than about the displaced residents of Lahaina that are currently being housed at the tourist resorts. Prior to the Lahaina fire there was minimal affordable housing available to Maui residents. What is his plan to house these displaced families.? What tourists would enjoy their vacation in Maui knowing that a family who has lost everything was evicted from the room they are now vacationing in. Governor Green always about the $$$. Oh and lets add more taxes and fees on the returning tourists. Business as usual and damn the residents
Seven of us rescheduled our vacation at the Westin Kaanapali from 9/15 for two weeks to 11/1 for two weeks. Flights, car rentals etc. had to be changed bc of the lockdown. Now their is uncertainty again. Any more information would be very helpful.
I belong to a private Facebook group for Westin Ka’anapali owners. They are taking/honoring bookings of Westin owners. Several people have posted about their experiences (starting a couple weeks ago) and they are enjoying fairly empty resorts, dining at Hula Grill, Duke’s, etc. (leaving big tips), and they specifically express how welcomed they have been. Also to a person, those who have already headed to Maui have purchased gift cards for local stores (and Amazon) to give employees, and also have connected with various organizations with whom they can volunteer. Sounds like a win-win to me. Thank you BOH for keeping us updated in a complex situation.
As a visitor with an October trip to West Maui this has been extremely complicated to follow. First it’s closed until 10/17, then it’s “it’s not technically closed it’s just discouraged” and that businesses need tourist dollars to keep going. Then there’s this side that just wants visitors to stay away indefinitely. Now there’s a phased approach announced a little under two weeks before the reopening? People plan these trips months and sometimes a year or more in advance it’s not easy to just change up the dates/location.
I would never in my life Ever go to gawk at a disaster area. Kind of wish I cancelled my trip and went somewhere else.
You’re right, planning trips such as Maui are time consuming and changes are disruptive. However, empathetically, Maui locals have been significantly impacted by this tragic event. Can you imagine the changes they that are adjusting to? Maybe canceling your Maui trip is wise, because based on your comments, you’re the kind of tourist locals don’t want visiting at this time.
I’ve mentioned in an earlier response to a post that many local business I have reached out to via social media are welcoming tourist and locals alike. Many have said they have had to lay off employees. I am deeply saddened by the loss of the lives and land. That being said though we will be in the Kapalua area next week and will try to patron as many local shops as possible with respect and understanding of what some may be going through. Everyone grieves in different ways.
Those 8000 displaced, Where will they go? Will the state fund them staying in the hotels?
I don’t have all the answers . But FEMA and the Red Cross had applications to fill out for displaced Mauians for long term housing aid ! I would think phase 3 reopening in Kaanapali “Black Rock ” my happen in November to allow more time to gets this sorted .
There is only so much money the state and FEMA can pay out. Hawaii does not have enough housing for the displaced resident. That said, the displaced residents will need to move to other areas on the island, other islands or the mainland to live until Lahaina can be rebuilt. It will take years. . Hopefully the state and FEMA can help out with discounted rents, moving costs, etc. Ironically Hawaii depends on tourism and without it, many residents have no jobs to live on. This happened in the pandemic. There are many organizations receiving donations and hopefully that money is going to the residents. We love Maui and have a timeshare in Kaanapali. We will come back eventually.