Sad for Maui

That's all...praying for good stories to be born of it amidst this chaos and sudden destruction.

This is a very sad situation, I just read a very good article about the fire, what may have been a strong contribution factor to it and the really sad part is much of the tourism industry is at the center or this. Much of the native vegetation has been replaced by non native grasses that dry out and turn to combustible material. Fudor's travel has just listed Maui as one of the ten places tourist should consider not to visit for environmental changes/destruction that is has occurred and is occurring at an alarming rate.  This is one of the sad effects of travel as so many people choose to travel to places that are not really able to support the increased population of tourist, what can you do.

Well, I read something along the same lines including the definition of Lahaina being “cruel sun”, historically 13” of rain a year since settlement, regardless of tourism.  I have about 60 relatives there and am grateful they are on da wailuku side.  The smoke, it is so claustrophobic inducing as I remember when Santa Rosa was burning and I was cutting hair outside that season.  We can relate being Nor cal and the flooding and fires of Santa Cruz region as well.  Maui resources are hardly prepared for this.  The hurricane Dora winds are a major contributing factor as well.  Not sure they burn garbage on that side but I know some upcountry folk do.  Straight bummer…

So sorry Eddie, I hope all are well and safe. I think one of the main points of the article is that the local people do not really reap most of the benefits of the tourism industry and with Hawaii, it is such a special place with much of the nature only occurring there. As someone who visited Maui in the late mid 70's, the changes are really disturbing and it does make me not want to visit and put the stress on this already fragile eco system.

Sending prayers and good vibes to all people who suffer there.

Just talked to my cousin and there is a sense of shock and wonder.  What to do with Lahaina for the future.  There has always been no beach there and it’s an odd location for future tourism loaded with history.  It’s flat out crazy what just happened.  36 dead and predicted toll to 100.  Brutal.

Very sad indeed  .

My wife and I left Maui on Monday afternoon in 50 mph sustained winds.  The drive to the airport currently looks like west TX - super dried out, and we both commented on how if we were home, this would be called "fire weather."  We had no clue that 24 hours later, Lahaina would be gone.  We met quite a few people there from Lahaina and that is pretty much all we can think about... if they are OK, what they lost, and how they recover.  So glad your family is OK Eddie!  Really tragic for the people of Maui.   

Wishing all the best for your Relatives, Eddie. Strength to you as well my Brutha.