MAUI INVITATIONAL TICKETS

[dannyb334]

Hearing that the tournament will remain in Maui

[Bling]

I hope so, that it stays on Maui.

If they decide to move it to another island, how are all the people who bought packages and made travel arrangements going to find a flight for that week at the last minute? And lodging?

Of course basketball in Maui is not a priority at this time considering what happened.  I'm sure it's not easy for Kemper Sports, and they have to tread carefully.

I don't imagine organizers want to wait much longer to finalize plans.

[Jay Bee]

I hope so, that it stays on Maui.

If they decide to move it to another island, how are all the people who bought packages and made travel arrangements going to find a flight for that week at the last minute? And lodging?

Maui sounds silly.

If it stays on Maui, how are more than half who bought packages & made travel arrangements going to see the games when you're playing in a gym a fraction of the size of the LCC?

U of H might be doable ... but they should move to the 48

[real chili 83]

My money is on O'ahu 

[lawdog77]

My money is on O'ahu

Yep. This .

[4everwarriors]

Neeskara mite bea available, hey?

[Shooter McGavin]

My money is on O'ahu

Have friends who have already booked rooms based on this assumption. 

[Jay Bee]

Looks like Honolulu would be kinder to the wallet.

Benny, please post detailed considerations travelers need to make at this potential location. Location / availability of Pickleball courts is key.

[79Warrior]

Maui sounds silly.

If it stays on Maui, how are more than half who bought packages & made travel arrangements going to see the games when you're playing in a gym a fraction of the size of the LCC?

U of H might be doable ... but they should move to the 48

The LCC was not damaged. Up to the folks in Lahaina to give their blessing. Obviously a lot going on behind the scenes.

[Jay Bee]

The LCC was not damaged. Up to the folks in Lahaina to give their blessing. Obviously a lot going on behind the scenes.

Can't do it there. No way.

[Jay Bee]

Still no word... not sure how to interpret it, but leaning toward the idea that they'd like to do Honolulu but are trying to give it more time to be comfortable it'll work / is prudent (based on nothing but my own thoughts). Hoping we get clarification one way or the other soon - next week or two??

[79Warrior]

Still no word... not sure how to interpret it, but leaning toward the idea that they'd like to do Honolulu but are trying to give it more time to be comfortable it'll work / is prudent (based on nothing but my own thoughts). Hoping we get clarification one way or the other soon - next week or two??

You will know Sept 15

[MU82]

Maui beckons tourists, and their dollars, to stave off economic disaster after wildfires

https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-maui-wildfires-tourism-unemployment-layoffs-e6a1032e1faede119a6b6607e41e6364?user_email=6647dfa7189f748384d7389910f7b584c6fcfc35ae990102964c7e826d4175c7&utm_medium=Morning_Wire&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_campaign=Morning%20Wire_8%20September_2023&utm_term=Morning%20Wire%20Subscribers

KAHULUI, Hawaii (AP) — Richie Olsten has been in Maui's helicopter tour business for a half century, so long he's developed a barometer for the tourism-dependent economy: rental cars parked at the island's airport.

There are so many since wildfires killed at least 115 people in the historic town of Lahaina that Olsten is worried about a full-blown economic catastrophe. Restaurants and tour companies are laying off workers, and unemployment is surging.

State tourism officials, after initially urging travelers to stay away, are now asking them to come back, avoid the burn zone and help Maui recover by spending their money. Airlines have started offering steep discounts, while some resorts have slashed room rates by 20% or are offering a fifth night free.

"I know what a terrible disaster that was. But now we're in crisis mode," Olsten said. "If we can't keep the people that have jobs employed, how are they going to help family members and friends that lost everything?"

[Bling]

I believe Maui Invitational organizers area committed to keep the tournament at the LCC. 

Facts:

1.  West Maui desperately needs tourism dollars
2.  LCC was unaffected. (roads to and from the nearby area are being cleaned up)
3.  Logistical nightmare to rebook hundreds of travel packages at the last minute
4.  Most teams and fans stay at the hotel strip on Kaanapali which was not affected
5.  The longer they wait to announce a final decision, the more complicated it will be

Thoughts?

[Hards Alumni]

Only quibble is 1. should read "ALL of Maui"

[Mu8891]

My thought is they should just make a damn decision.

[Gato78]

2 issues. Will there be a sufficient number of workers to have the hotels and their restaurants open to guests? Can it be enjoyable vacationing in the middle of a hellscape?

[The Sultan]

My thought is they should just make a damn decision.

I mean, it's complicated. I'm sure they are going to do what they feel is in the best interests of everybody involved, but complicated decisions often can't be made quickly.

[Jay Bee]

Non-essential travel to these parts is strongly discouraged by the government for another 5+ weeks from today. C'mon now

[Mu8891]

Jay - if that is correct then they should just move it to the other island ...

Raise funds for Maui.   

As far as supporting the people / workers of Maui ( which is important ), I presume government and Red Cross and others are
( I hope ) pouring in relief funds, as the residents of Maui should be the No. 1 concern!

[79Warrior]

2 issues. Will there be a sufficient number of workers to have the hotels and their restaurants open to guests? Can it be enjoyable vacationing in the middle of a hellscape?

Folks are being laid off. None of the main hotels were affected. Workers are not the problem. The optics and how to be respectful to Lahina is more the issue. The whole Island is having an economic collapse. Check out airfares now. Rock bottom.

[DarkWarrior]

If the locals support having the tournament at LCC then every effort should be made to make it happen. I would graciously accept some discomfort or marginal service to support the Maui economy and its people. A return to normalcy is often the best response to a horrific event. I do hope there is an announcement soon!

[Dr. Blackheart]

FEMA just moved the Family Assistance Center to the LCC.  Only about 1600 out of 3000 student have been placed in public schools with 3 out of 4 schools burned. These seem like two better uses of the LCC than the Maui Jim Invitational.

Not to mention 385 are still officially missing after a month and the EPA and Army Corps are just starting a six month hazmat and damage removal process.

[The Sultan]

So it sounds as like people should still take their trips to Maui, but plan on watching the Invitational on television.

[Uncle Rico]

They better do what is best for college basketball fans