"Lahaina's Rebirth: From Tourist Haven to Wildfire Recovery and Resilience"
The historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii, is facing a complex recovery after a devastating wildfire killed at least 100 people and destroyed over 2,000 buildings. While the state seeks the economic benefits of tourism, residents, many of whom are tourism workers, are struggling with the trauma and the lack of affordable housing. Protests have emerged demanding housing solutions, and the tension between the need for tourist dollars and the community's well-being is palpable. Some suggest "voluntourism" as a way to help, while others emphasize the importance of tourists being respectful and empathetic to the local trauma.