The federal, state, and local response to support the survivors of the Maui wildfire that consumed almost all of Lahaina has been impressive thus far. Local businesses and residents have also been generously working around the clock to deliver aid to the displaced and injured, and all are to be commended for that. But some of the messaging coming from the government as well as local celebrities has been leaving a bad taste in the mouths of some residents. The talking points were clear from the beginning. Democratic Governor Josh Green was joined by actor Jason Momoa to tell all of the “mainlanders” from the continental United States to stay away from Maui. You’ll just clutter up the recovery efforts if you show up, even if your intention is to help. But The Daily Signal talked to some residents of other parts of the island and found that they would prefer the governor to keep his trap shut in that regard. Most of Maui did not burn. And while people without direct responsibilities in the recovery of Lahaina should definitely steer clear, the rest of the island remains heavily reliant on tourism to keep the lights on and most of the island is open for business. So driving people away is hurting more than it’s helping. (Stream)

After the fires leveled Lahaina, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat, and celebrities such as Hawaii-born actor Jason Momoa told “mainlanders” from the continental United States to stay away from Maui — saying that its citizens want privacy as Lahaina is rebuilt and Maui’s residents grieve.

The Daily Signal asked hundreds of Maui islanders whether this was a true assessment: Do the people of Maui desire to be left alone?

Unlike narratives on social media, fueled by celebrities and politicians, almost every Maui islander interviewed by The Daily Signal seemed to fervently desire that tourists continue coming to Maui and support its tourism-driven economy.

All of this makes sense when considered rationally. I was just looking at some recent, overhead images of the island and the vast majority of it was untouched. It is now estimated that the wildfire destroyed approximately 3,200 acres of real estate. That’s roughly ten square miles, all of it located on the western reaches of the island. But Maui takes up a total of 735 square miles. At least 90% of the island’s beaches and the tourist businesses that depend on them were unaffected.

There was a time when Maui and the rest of the Hawaiian Islands primarily relied on their sugarcane growing and refining industry. But those industries have been in decline for decades and tourism has grown apace to replace the old economy. Without tourists, the island’s economic prospects sink like a stone in the surrounding blue ocean.

It remains true that people should stay away from the search and recovery area until the “all clear” is given, but they will likely be looking for bodies for weeks to come at least. Those interested in volunteering can readily find local officials or FEMA representatives to see where you can productively be put to work. But it’s a sizeable island and there is still more than enough room for tourists to enjoy themselves. Kahului Airport is located on the northern, central part of the island and shouldn’t generate any needless traffic into the Lahaina area.

It’s understandable how some people might feel a bit uncomfortable going and vacationing in the shadow of a disaster such as this while people are still searching for bodies. But the work is getting done and life needs to move on for the living, including the rest of the island’s residents.

With all of this in mind, it does seem as if Governor Josh Green really blew it when he released his unofficial travel advisory, even if his intentions were good at the moment. Now would be a good time for him to put out a new statement thanking everyone for their generosity and ongoing help in the recovery while reminding the world that Maui is still open for business. The air traffic at Kahului Airport is still a fraction of what it normally is in August, with wait times of less than 15 minutes, among the lowest of any in the country. If you were already considering a Hawaiian vacation this summer, this might be the ideal time and you would be helping out the locals at the same time.