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The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is encouraging would-be visitors to the Garden Isle to reschedule for later or instead visit other Hawaiian islands, though a hotel industry organization leader favors that advice only in cases where accommodations were damaged and aren’t operating. “As the island focuses its resources on immediate needs, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority encourages travelers with upcoming Kauai plans to reschedule or consider visiting another Hawaiian island instead of canceling their trip,” the state agency said in a Wednesday announcement. “Travelers who are rescheduling should check directly with their airline, accommodations and other travel providers for updated options.” Caroline Anderson, HTA interim president and CEO, added in a statement, “Adjusting your itinerary allows you to continue your Hawaii vacation while supporting the state’s broader visitor economy as Kauai recovers.” Yet Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawaii Hotel Alliance representing lodging owners and operators in the state, said travelers shouldn’t be discouraged from visiting Kauai if the place they are scheduled to stay is open and wanting guests who can help sustain jobs for local residents. “It’s a bit of a dichotomy,” he said in an interview Friday. Because close to 5,000 homes were destroyed by the fire, Maui hotels began sheltering fire survivors.
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