Citing Water Crisis, Maui Makes Fodor’s List Of Places To Not Visit Next Year
The travel publication listed the island among regions “suffering from water crises.”
Fodor’s Travel has named Maui as one of 10 destinations on its that tourists should reconsider visiting in the year to come.
The travel publication outlined 10 regions ranging from Antarctica to Italy that are threatened by environmental damage caused by . The list split those places into three categories: “natural attractions that could use a break in order to heal and rejuvenate; cultural hotspots that are plagued with overcrowding and resource depletion; and locations around the world immediately and dramatically impacted by water crises.”
Maui was highlighted in the latter category, along with the Southern European Watershed and the American West, as destinations “.”
The publication noted how last year, the debate over water restrictions on Maui hit a boiling point when only Upcountry residents were ordered to conserve water — or face $500 fines if they used water for “non-essential” purposes like irrigation and washing cars. At the same time, “no such limitations were placed on resorts in South and Central Maui, many of which boast pools, sprawling lawns, and golf courses,” the article said.
The publication continued to say that Native Hawaiians are also “paying the price for the growing tourism industry” in other aspects of daily life. The cost of living has risen along with the boom in short-term rentals, , which is fueling more people to experience homelessness.
“This year’s No List does not serve as a boycott, ban, or cancelation of any sort; but a call to travelers to consider wisely the choices we make,” the article read. “We can have a positive impact on this world we love so dearly.”
Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by grants from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation and the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation.
