One more - one last - discussion of Hawaii's horrid days, soon to be years.
First, here's a bit more thorough vid from friend, a local (tourist) helicopter operator:
https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720dbI'd also like you to get more input about me and my true love of the islands. I've taken full training from the 4 major official state tourist organizations: Maui County, Kauai, Oahu, Island of Hawaii, and The Hawaii Official State Tourism Bureau. Some already know my credentials and love of the state. Many trips, many hours of book earning, hours and days of finding the nooks and crannies, beautiful views, hours and days of just meditating on the smell and atmosphere, my share of mai-tais and cuisine, and I could go on and on. . .
And then there's Lahaina. It is Hawaiian to the utmost. The most historical, authentic area of the Islands. It is, was :' , the true spirit of Hawaii you always hear about. But it was authentic which is why I know they will never be able to replicate. The town consisted of wooden based 1 or some 2 story buildings. Most businesses family owned for centuries in some cases. Talking to the seniors who have stories of their seniors - can you even imagine the tales they have told me. Spent more than most talking to locals than most visitors; caught the bug in 1971, and it only intensified. Where now?
Vid shows the West Coast of Maui, most of the damage did happen in Lahaina, again it was lots of little wooden buildings along Front Street. No really good pics because of layer of smoke. Lots and lots of vegetation and trees burning. The beach areas and mountains only sporatic damage. Spread out beach resorts of new construction materials and regulations will help control vast ruination. There are newer, tempting, safer mall and hotel offerings along the west coast by the major beaches and golf courses. Again, the real spirit is the question. I feel it will never be replicated. The island people will be the rebuilders of the "Spirit of Aloha?"
You should know by now that I have a great appreciation of our USA. I'll travel anytime, anywhere, and have; but I'll repeat until I'm gone that we have the best thing in the world. If you've never been at all to Hawaii -- WHY. Put it on your agenda, get off your butt, find a planner, and you can do it, you can afford it. With present political happenings, you never know what the future will give you. Don't wait for the gift - give the gift to yourself, you've earned it and deserve it.
Practicing what I preach, and some have heard my preaching, when I'm done and only my ashes are left I will be spread over 5 of my favorite US places: the Walt Disney/Mickey Mouse statue in front of the Disney World FL castle, the Las Vegas strip, a pass in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, in Alaska off the back of the Yukon and White Pass Railway out of Sitka, and on the Anaeho'omalu Beach in Wailkaloa on Hawaii Island. It's in the will.
Thanks for your comments
tsk & Clynn thanks for asking, and thanks for listening.
I will be making a Mai-Tai for myself tonight and toasting the people of Maui.
P