Maui wildfires: Locals outraged as West Maui set to reopen for tourism

West Maui, which was devastated by a wildfire that burned the ancient town of Lahaina less than two months ago, will reopen to visitors on October 8. According to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, Lahaina will remain completely closed to the public until further notice.

Some people have expressed indignation at the plan to open up for tourism, many of whom are still displaced and have yet to pick up the remains of their wrecked homes.

Jeremy Delos Reyes, one of the about 7,500 evacuated locals, is staying with his family at a neighboring hotel and is outraged that the state is arranging for tourists and visitors to return to the disaster area. Reyes has been a resident of Maui for the past 48 years.

In an interview with ABC News, he questioned, "Why am I currently stuck at a resort, worrying every morning if my wife and I and our family will be kicked out because tourists need a place to stay?"

On October 8, it will have been two months since the fire started destroying the Island. Residents who have been displaced say they are  yet to return to their old homes because they are waiting for federal and local agencies to declare the region safe from dangerous materials and bad air quality. The disaster area is only accessible to authorized people, and many areas still lack access to clean, safe drinking water.

Many children from the area are still being moved to schools outside of West Maui, with schools expected to reopen around Oct. 13 if they are safe to return.

Jordan Ruidas, a local and community organizer, has gathered over 5,000 signatures on a petition to postpone the reopening of West Maui. 

However, some local business owners are hoping for economic assistance.
As residents continue to grieve, some fear that the destruction may be exploited by tourists drawn to the tragedy. Residents urge those who

come when West Maui opens be mindful of the city in mourning.