Parts of Maui , Will Reopen for Tourism, Officials Announce.
According to the mayor of Maui County, parts of West Maui will reopen for tourism on November 1, following the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over 100 years.
'Time' reports that Mayor Richard Bissen said the decision to reopen West Maui, except for burned-out parts of Lahaina, was made after speaking to his advisory team and other partners.
On August 8, fires tore through Lahaina, killing at least 99 people and destroying over 2,000 buildings.
Last month, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said that West Maui would reopen for tourism on October 8.
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Bissen modified the plan to bring back urgently needed jobs and economic recovery with a phased plan.
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The updated plan allows for a section of West Maui to open initially, while the rest of the area can reopen at an undetermined future date.
The mayor added that displaced residents staying in West Maui hotels won't lose their lodging after already losing their homes in the fires.
We’re assured by the Red Cross that their housing will not be in jeopardy, Richard Bissen, Maui Mayor, via 'Time'.
'Time' reports that some residents have signed a petition urging officials to hold off on allowing tourists to return, stating that the devastated community is not ready.
Others have expressed concern about a lack of child care, an issue which the mayor said the county's partners were working to solve.
