Tension between Maui residents and tourists grows after fires
The Maui Economic Development Board says tourism is “irrefutably” the economic engine of Maui, which saw 1.4 million visitors in just the first half of 2023.
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ASSOCIATED PRESS
A group of Lahaina, residents who survived the deadly wildfire that devastated their community gather near a checkpoint in hopes to get access to their homes in Lahaina, Wednesday, Aug. 16. Long before a wildfire blasted through the island of Maui the week before, there was tension between Hawaii's longtime residents and the visitors some islanders resent for turning their beaches, mountains and communities into playgrounds. But that tension is building in the aftermath of the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A general view shows the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Wednesday, Aug. 16, as a Coast Guard vessel sails through the ocean past the devastated community.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A girl rides her bike past a sign that says "Tourist Keep Out," in Lahaina, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 17.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A man views homes consumed by a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 17.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A general view shows the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Thursday, Aug. 17.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Volunteers unload donated goods at a food and supply distribution center in Lahaina, Thursday, Aug. 17.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A car passes through a tunnel painted with encouraging words near Lahaina, Thursday, Aug. 17.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A family cools off in the ocean in Kihei, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 17.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A couple walks along the beach in Kihei, Thursday, Aug. 17.ASSOCIATED PRESS
Two people paddleboard in the ocean near Lahaina, Friday, Aug. 18.ASSOCIATED PRESS
A "Maui Lives Matter" sign is posted along the Honoapi'ilani Highway near a residential area destroyed by a wildfire in Lahaina, Saturday, Aug. 19.