Maui Invitational Returns To Boost Community After Wildfire

The hall of historic Waiola Church in Lahaina and nearby Lahaina Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in flames along Wainee Street, Aug. 8, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Matthew Thayer/The Maui News vi

Three generations of a family in Lahaina, Maui, are still struggling to rebuild their homes after losing them in a deadly wildfire over a year ago. The head coach of Lahainaluna High School's basketball team, TJ Rickard, expresses conflicting feelings about the return of the Maui Invitational college tournament next week. While excited for the top-tier basketball games, Rickard is concerned that the tournament may overshadow the ongoing challenges faced by the community.

Many residents are looking forward to the economic boost and exposure to high-caliber competition that the Maui Invitational will bring. However, there is a sense of unease about potential disrespect from visitors who may inadvertently intrude on the burn zone or trigger painful memories with insensitive questions.

Reconstruction efforts in Lahaina are progressing slowly, with only one property fully rebuilt out of the thousands destroyed. The Army Corps of Engineers has cleared most residential and commercial lots of fire debris, and Maui County has issued a limited number of building permits.

The return of the Maui Invitational, featuring eight top NCAA men's teams, is seen as a positive sign for the community's recovery. The tournament aims to support the local tourism industry, which suffered a significant blow following the wildfire. Organizers hope to revive the $24 million in spending brought by the event in 2022.

Head coach TJ Rickard expresses concerns about Maui Invitational overshadowing community challenges.

Three generations of a family in Lahaina still rebuilding homes after deadly wildfire.

Residents anticipate economic boost and exposure from the tournament.

Unease about potential disrespect from visitors triggering painful memories.

Reconstruction efforts progressing slowly with only one property fully rebuilt.

Maui Invitational seen as a positive sign for community recovery and local tourism.

Local businesses like Hana Hou Hospitality finding hope in rebuilding.

Community embraces tournament's return as a source of inspiration and normalcy.

Discounted tickets and basketball clinics planned for local residents.

Tournament organizers emphasize respect and compassion towards the community.

Local businesses, like Hana Hou Hospitality, are finding solace in rebuilding efforts. Javier Barberi reopened a beachfront restaurant and launched a new establishment, viewing the tournament's return as a symbol of hope for Maui's restoration.

Despite the challenges, the community is embracing the tournament's comeback as a source of inspiration and normalcy. Local residents receive a discount on tickets, and basketball clinics for students are planned. Tournament organizers and teams have emphasized the importance of respect and compassion towards the community as they participate in the event.

The return of the Maui Invitational signifies a step towards recovery and resilience for Lahaina, offering a beacon of hope amidst ongoing reconstruction efforts.