Last week, a hurricane passed south of the Hawaiian Island chain. Lightening strikes kindled fires in the dry foliage. Fueled by 60 mph winds, fires burned on all the Islands. The worst damage was seen on the island of Maui.
We visited Maui in the winter of 2003. The island was known for it’s many pristine beaches and clear waters. A reef forms a protective coral barrier around the island encouraging marine life. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand on the beach. Seals mate and raise their young off the Maui shores.
People enjoy scuba diving , surfing and windsurfing in the warm waters.
Last Tuesday, the historic town of Lahaina, the old capital of the kingdom of Hawaii was reduced to ashes. When we visited there were buildings dating back to the late nineteenth century. In the main square of town was a large banyan tree, believed to be the oldest it the country. Under it’s trunks and limbs, people have gathered to visit and trade for many years. The tree is found outside the old government building that housed the customs and courts of Old Hawaii. Today it houses the visitors center, and Hawaiian art for sale .After last Wednesday, much of this area was reduced to ashes. The old banyan tree was scorched but still standing.
As of this past weekend, the fires are burning in the volcanic mountain range on the east side of the island. The national observatory located there , is not out of the threat of the fires.
Many native people wonder if the Goddess of fire and destruction, Pele, is asserting her power. Or are we seeing the result of global warming? Only time will tell if Maui can recover.
The local wildlife such as goats, pigs and deer will starve without vegetation for food. Crops of sugar cane, taro , vegetables, onion and peanuts were grown. In recent these and fields have reverted back to wild grasses. Unlike the prairie grasses of the west, these tropical grasses can grow 6 feet tall. They produce much fuel to burn. Runoff will move sediment into the reef area surrounding the island. Cloudy waters and increased waters temperatures will kill coral needed for a healthy eco system. It may be many years before Maui and Other Hawaiian islands recover.
Tourism will diminish as Paradise is lost for many years.
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copyright 8-14-23
traveling up and down the blind highway 