On Maui, a desperate plea to tourists: Please return

https://www.npr.org/2023/08/30/ [login to see] /on-maui-a-desperate-plea-to-tourists-please-return
One recent afternoon on Mana'o Radio, broadcasting from Wailuku on Maui, the local disc jockey Forest had a pitch for listeners streaming his Blue Bus show from outside the Hawaiian islands.

"Another way you can support Maui, come here," he said. "The Maui economy relies on tourism, to stay away now will just make the problem worse."

Despite scenes of horrible tragedy in Lahaina on the news in, Forest continued, the rest of the island is open: 730 square miles of beauty isn't burned.

This plea has become a refrain across the island.

Immediately after the deadly wildfires, tourists were turned away. Trips were canceled. Flights were suspended. Some airline apps are still warning against nonessential travel to the island.