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The Lahaina Civic Center in Maui, Hawaii, which hosts the prestigious Maui Invitational college basketball tournament, remains unsure whether it can accommodate the event following the devastating wildfires that recently plagued the region. The fires, among the deadliest in U.S. history, have left the tournament in a state of uncertainty.
Chaminade University, the host school of the tournament, expressed that the primary concern right now is assisting the people of Maui rather than focusing on the games. Kevin Hashiro, Chaminade’s sports media relations director, acknowledged that registering decisions related to the tournament is not the priority at this time. Although KemperLesnik, the Chicago-based company that owns and operates the event, was expected to provide a statement, it is unlikely to include a final decision regarding whether the tournament will proceed at Lahaina.
Even if the Lahaina Civic Center is suitable for basketball after the fires, numerous logistical concerns remain unresolved, especially since the tournament is scheduled to take place in November. Hashiro highlighted the uncertainty surrounding occupancy and room availability, given that hotel rooms are currently housing Maui residents who lost their homes in the fire. Every year, around 4,000 visitors, including teams, staff, media, and fans, attend the Maui Invitational.
The tournament organizers issued a statement expressing their commitment to monitoring the wildfire situation and emphasizing their utmost concern for the safety and well-being of the people of Maui and the first responders. However, no further information has been shared regarding the fate of the tournament.
Relocating the tournament to another venue is a possibility, as has been done in the past. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2020 and 2021 tournaments were held in Asheville, North Carolina, and Las Vegas, respectively. The Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, where Chaminade famously upset Virginia in 1982, could be an alternative, but it is currently undergoing renovations scheduled to be completed by the end of November, according to the arena’s website.
Chaminade, Gonzaga, Kansas, Marquette, Purdue, Syracuse, Tennessee, and UCLA are the teams scheduled to participate in this year’s event. Dave Odom, the tournament chairman, referred to the 2023 field as potentially the best in the tournament’s history when it was announced in April 2022. The Lahaina Civic Center holds great significance for the tournament, and its return was eagerly anticipated.
Other Maui-related sports activities have also been affected by the wildfires. The Maui Interscholastic League canceled its preseason football games, and the Molokai-to-Oahu canoe races planned for September and October have been canceled as well. The PGA Sentry Tournament of Champions, set to take place in January at Kapalua, has expressed concern for the people of Maui and is working closely with them to identify their most pressing needs. Professional golfers Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, and Michelle Wie West have made sizable donations to support relief efforts for Maui.
The future of the Maui Invitational remains uncertain, but tournament organizers and stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing the well-being of the people affected by the wildfires. Details regarding any potential relocation or cancellation are yet to be determined. As the fires are slowly brought under control and the recovery process begins, it is clear that the impact of the wildfires extends beyond the basketball court, and the focus remains on supporting the local community during this challenging time.
