From Fortune:

Katie Austin, a server at a restaurant that burned in the Hawaii wildfire, faced constant questions from diners about the traumatic experience. Hawaii’s governor and mayor invited tourists back as the west side of Maui struggled with lack of housing for wildfire evacuees and tension over the return of tourism. Visitors are being asked to be respectful and support local businesses.

Some residents of west Maui have been protesting the lack of long-term, affordable housing for wildfire evacuees, who also work in the tourism industry. Hotels in Kaanapali have welcomed some fire evacuees while bringing back tourists and owners of timeshare condos, but many are still stranded and jobless.

Servers like Katie Austin are struggling to serve tourists while dealing with the trauma of the wildfire. Some in the tourism industry are starting to promote organized “voluntourism” rather than the typical sunbathing vacation. Cancelled holiday trips and decreased visitation to Maui show the impact of the confusing messages in national and social media about whether visitors should come.

For Jordan and Carter Prechel, a conscious and respectful approach towards the community impacted by the wildfire was adopted during their visit to Maui. Residents hope for more visitors with the same attitude. Hotels all over the island are feeling the impact of cancellations, and residents are advocating for compassionate and empathetic tourism.



Read more: Maui tries to find the balance between rebuilding and bringing back tourists