by Ethan Carraway
Near the beginning of August 2023, a devastating wildfire broke out in Lahaina, Maui, in the state of Hawaii. Speculations have been made as to whether it was live electrical wires that caused the fire, if it was done on purpose, or if it was just nature that caused it.
According to USA Today, the death toll is an estimated 115 due to the fire and its complications, with more than 300 still missing. The Red Cross is currently helping survivors with supplies of food, water, and an evacuation plan.
The biggest problem for the future of Maui and Hawaii as a whole is the loss of tourism. Most of the revenue brought in for the state is from people coming to visit and spending loads of money on food, trinkets, clothes, and other paraphernalia. Lahaina is a hub for a cultural headquarters in Maui. So much history has been lost due to this terrible event.
Mrs. Peele, a science teacher at GS, said this. “I don’t think people realize the far-reaching impacts of this fire.” The fire is not only affecting the people of Lahaina and Maui, the fire also affects tourists worldwide and trade that was done from the island. According to Mrs. Peele, the economic future of the island is questionable.
Though there may be cultural centers on any of the other islands, Lahaina was known for its culture based tourism. She also mentioned that there was tremendous habitat destruction due to the fire destroying absurd amounts of wildlife and plants.
In the long run, all that the mainland can do is support Maui in this trying time and hope that they can flourish again as an island and as a community.
Comments