Hawaii’s Native People Urge Visitors to Stay Away, Highlighting Damage and Colonization

Hawaii’s Native People Urge Visitors to Stay Away, Highlighting Damage and Colonization

Hawaii’s Native people, known as Kānaka Maoli, have been requesting tourists to refrain from visiting the islands for years. Now, with COVID-19 and natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires wreaking havoc, their pleas have grown more urgent. Camille Leihulu Slagle, a university student, advocate, and member of Kānaka Maoli, emphasized the strain on Hawaii’s resources caused by an influx of visitors, stating, We can barely sustain our own people.

The surge in tourism over the past few decades has resulted in an affordability crisis, increased homelessness, and damage to an already fragile ecosystem. Recent disasters, such as the devastating fire in Lahaina, have compounded the challenges faced by Kānaka Maoli and locals. Many are now homeless, missing, or relying on fundraising efforts to support their communities.

The wildfire, which has already caused the highest death toll in modern U.S. history with hundreds still missing, has destroyed or damaged over 2,200 structures. The recovery process is arduous, with some Kānaka Maoli and locals having to wait months or even years for insurance payouts. Consequently, they are priced out of participating in the community’s reconstruction.

Slagle attributed the calls to avoid visiting Hawaii to the interests of investors, developers, colonization, gentrification, and historical events like the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii by American troops. She explained that Lahaina, the former capital, was once a wetland brimming with resources that sustained the locals. However, due to gentrification and colonialism, the wetlands have dried up, and the water has been diverted away from residents towards golf courses and hotels.

Visitors who come to Hawaii are directly contributing to the harm inflicted upon Indigenous people and supporting the process of colonization, Slagle argued. Despite the ongoing disaster and recovery efforts, many tourists continue to ignore these pleas. Tee, a mother, student, and Kānaka Maoli, expressed frustration, saying, They think this is their playground if they splash some money around, they think we’ll do as they say.

Tee has been actively coordinating relief efforts on the ground, fundraising to provide supplies, purchasing respirators, and N95 masks for Lahaina locals. She emphasized the authenticity of Kānaka Maoli’s appeals for visitors to leave the land, oceans, and people to heal. She added, We’re concerned about how much longer we’ll be able to live on our own ancestral land.

Tourism has long represented a significant portion of Hawaii’s economy, accounting for about a quarter of it. In 2019, the industry generated nearly $17.8 billion in visitor spending, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. While many argue that the islands need tourism to survive, some Kānaka Maoli disagree.

Slagle asserted, We never did and we never will need tourism. She pointed out that the reliance on tourism stems from the loss of government, culture, and rights suffered during the Americanization of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The islands have transitioned from an economy based on local produce and people to one heavily reliant on imports.

Although completely dissuading people from visiting Hawaii may be challenging, Slagle stressed the importance of raising awareness about the harm caused by tourism. She urged people to familiarize themselves with the history and understand their contributions to the island’s issues. By sharing their message, Native Hawaiians hope to shed light on the damage inflicted upon the environment and Native culture.

In conclusion, Kānaka Maoli’s appeals for visitors to stay away from Hawaii have been further amplified by COVID-19 and natural disasters. The damaging effects of tourism on the islands’ resources, ecosystem, and Indigenous communities cannot be ignored. Although Hawaii’s economy has relied heavily on tourism, some Kānaka Maoli assert that their culture and land should take precedence over financial gain. Raising awareness about the harmful consequences of tourism is crucial for a more sustainable and respectful future.