"Hawaii Mayor Accelerates West Maui's Tourism Reopening Amid Economic Concerns"

West Maui in Hawaii, except for burned-out sections of historic Lahaina, is set to reopen to tourism on November 1st, following August's deadly wildfires. The decision to reopen came after discussions with local advisory teams, the Red Cross, and other partners. West Maui is a significant contributor to Hawaii's tourism industry, with about 11,000 hotel rooms. The reopening will occur in phases, with a small section opening first and the rest to follow later. The move has sparked debate among locals, with some supporting the economic recovery and others opposing the return of tourists. The mayor assured residents who lost their homes in the fire that their housing will not be in jeopardy.