‘Forgotten’ Maui Residents Face Critical Moment for Economy

In the wake of tragedy, Maui is at an important economic crossroads that could decide the fate of many of its long-held businesses only three months after wildfires ravaged the Hawaiian island. Kim Ball, a business owner and member of the mayor’s five-person Lahaina advisory committee, told The Epoch Times that while many in the media have moved on, Maui continues to be in the midst of both a personal and financial crisis. “The number one issue right now is housing for the displaced residents,” said Mr. Ball. “We have close to 6,000 people living in hotel rooms. For many of these people, their lives are already in a very bad place, but we are also facing an economic crisis over what kinds of livelihoods these people will be returning to once they find a new home.”...