Aloha,
I hope this message finds you well. We are pleased to provide you with the latest update on the current situation at Kahana Reef, the home of Annie's Surf Shack.
We are happy to inform you that Governor Green has officially declared that the West Side of Maui will be ready to welcome tourists once again on October 8, 2023. This means that the entire island of Maui will be fully open for business and tourism from that date onwards. In our neighborhood, daily life has gradually returned to a new sense of normalcy. All essential services have been successfully restored, ensuring that our community can thrive once more.
I am pleased to report that the majority of businesses, spanning from Ka'anapali to Kapalua, have reopened their doors to customers. This includes Annie's Surf Shack, which is situated in this area. It is important to note that the unfortunate devastation in Lahaina is located approximately seven miles south of our location. Rest assured, our neighborhood remains unaffected, and there is no evidence of fire anywhere in our vicinity.
We are excited to inform you that the hotels in the beautiful region of Ka'anapali to Kapalua are now accepting reservations starting from the beginning of October. Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that most restaurants in the area have also reopened their doors. The resort areas are eagerly looking forward to resuming normal tourist activities and providing you with an unforgettable experience.
It is important to note that the local community heavily relies on the jobs generated by the thriving tourist industry, as well as the numerous businesses that support it. Unfortunately, we have been informed that West Maui is currently experiencing a staggering loss of over $9,000,000 in revenue each day. This unfortunate situation has brought tourism across the entire island to a standstill, with many visitors canceling their trips to Maui for reasons unknown. However, we remain hopeful that the situation will improve and that we will be able to return to normalcy by the time Christmas arrives. We understand the impact this has on both our guests and the local community, and we are committed to doing everything within our power to restore the vibrant atmosphere that Maui is known for.
We would like to inform you that we will no longer be reporting the casualty count from the recent fire in Lahaina. The focus has now shifted towards the crucial phase of clean-up and rebuilding. We anticipate that this process will take several years to reach its full fruition, but only time will truly tell. Businesses that have the means are already planning to rebuild as swiftly as possible, with the only obstacles being politics and bureaucracy.
There remains a pressing need for assistance to aid the victims who are still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating fire. If you are inclined to lend a helping hand to the displaced families or businesses in Lahaina, we would be more than delighted to connect you with the services available here in Maui. It is important to note that we do not accept direct donations; instead, we kindly request that you extend your support directly to the charity or organization of your choice. To facilitate this process, we recommend visiting a remarkable website that has consolidated all the local charities in one convenient location. To make a donation, please visit: https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/09/help-maui-fire-victims-heres-how-you-can-donate/. We express our heartfelt gratitude for any support you can provide.
As we eagerly anticipate the reopening of our beloved island, we are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Our community is dedicated to ensuring that your stay with us is nothing short of exceptional.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful shores on October 8, 2023.
Mahalo.
Annie’s Surf Shack Kahana, Maui