Jason Momoa CAUTIONS Tourists To Stay Out Of Maui Amid Wildfire Disaster
By Favour Adegoke on August 13, 2023 at 12:45 PM EDT
In a heartfelt plea to tourists, renowned actor Jason Momoa has called on visitors to reconsider their travel plans to Maui as the island grapples with devastating wildfires.
The charismatic "Aquaman" star, who has strong ties to Hawaii, took to Instagram to emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety and conservation during these trying times.
Momoa also shared his profound sorrow and devastation at the raging wildfires that have swept through his beloved home island of Maui.
Read on for more details.
Jason Momoa Pleads With Maui Visitors To Cancel Trip
As wildfires continue to rage across Maui, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, Momoa's message serves as a somber reminder of the impact that such disasters have had on local communities and the environment.
In his impassioned post on Instagram, he expressed his concerns for the residents and wildlife affected by the fires, urging travelers to take caution by postponing their visits until the situation improves.
"Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now," he wrote. "DO NOT TRAVEL TO MAUI."
"Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply," he went on, calling for donations and travelers to cancel their planned trips.
"Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need," he added.
One of the posts the actor shared noted that the "community needs time to heal, grieve and restore," pleading for tourists not to take up "critical resources" that are "extremely limited."
Jason Momoa On The Toll The Maui Wildfire Had On Him
The "Game of Thrones" actor, who has a deep connection and support for Hawaii's culture and community, took to Instagram to convey his genuine concern and support for those affected by the disaster while noting the degree to which the incident has had an emotional toll on him.
Momoa, known not only for his charismatic presence on screen but also for his commitment to environmental causes, spoke with a heavy heart about the fires that have engulfed parts of Maui.
In his touching Instagram post, the Honolulu-born actor wrote, "We are devastated and heartbroken for our friends and 'ohana on Maui who have been impacted by the recent wildfires."
The actor continues to maintain strong ties to Hawaii as he frequently promotes the state's cultural significance and tourism efforts.
Over 1000 Persons Are Missing, With The Death Toll At 89
The devastating wildfire has torn through the picturesque landscapes of Maui, leaving destruction and sorrow in its wake. According to NBC News, the raging inferno has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 89 people, with over 1000 individuals reported missing as rescue and recovery efforts intensify.
The wildfire, which is believed to have been sparked by a combination of dry conditions and strong winds, rapidly spread across the island, consuming homes, businesses, and natural habitats. Local authorities noted that the situation was impossible for evacuation orders to be disbursed on time as the flames surged unpredictably, making containment efforts incredibly challenging.
Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier, however, cautioned that he honestly "don't know" about the true figure of displaced persons, per People.
"Doesn't mean that's how many that we have that have passed. I'm not saying that number at all," Pelletier added during a recent news conference. "But because we can't contact them, and because they can't come into the greater valley as quickly or as much as we'd like, because they're actually in the shelter until we get some of those basic things set up, we're not going to have that number."
Maui Wildfire Death Toll Expected To Rise
The devastating wildfire has claimed the lives of at least 89 individuals, leaving communities heartbroken and authorities grappling with the aftermath. As the inferno continues to rage, Hawaii's Governor, Gov. Josh Green, fears that the death toll could climb even higher, emphasizing the urgency and dire state of the situation.
"We are seeing the loss of life," Gov. Green said during his Thursday news conference. "We will continue to see the loss of life," adding that the incident was the "greatest emergency we've seen in decades."
According to CNN, Hawaii underestimated the threat of a ravaging wildfire as records showed that the state wasn't well prepared to mitigate its effect if it eventually happened.