"Tragic Vacation at Sea Where Resident Fleeing Wildfire Died"...Chaebol Heiress Also Spotted

Local Residents Appeal for Vacation Restraint
Hollywood Actors Also Urge Restraint
Paris Hilton Spotted Enjoying Vacation

As nearly 100 people have died in the wildfire disaster on Maui Island, Hawaii, local residents are urging visitors to refrain from coming to the island for vacations for the time being.

On the 13th (local time), the British BBC and others reported that "some tourists visiting Maui Island are enjoying their vacations as usual, which is heartbreaking for the local residents."

Paris Hilton. [Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

A Maui Island resident told the BBC in an interview, "Three days ago, our residents died after falling into the sea while trying to escape the wildfire, and the very next day, tourists were swimming in the same waters."

He added, "The locals here are not swimming, snorkeling, or surfing. No one is finding fun amid this tragedy," and said, "It seems like there are two Hawaiis: one where the residents live and another where the visitors go."

The wildfire, which started on the western coast of Maui Island on the 8th, was rapidly fueled by strong winds from a nearby hurricane, engulfing the coastal town of Lahaina. As a result, at least 93 people have died, and 2,200 buildings were destroyed, causing massive damage.

Given the situation, Hawaiian authorities have repeatedly requested that people refrain from visiting Maui Island and other areas for tourism purposes. They urged visitors to avoid coming temporarily so that authorities can focus on wildfire management.

"Do not travel"... Hawaii urges vacation restraint

Hollywood actor Jason Momoa's message posted on SNS.
[Image source=Jason Momoa Instagram]

Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, who played the lead role in the movie 'Aquaman,' also posted on Instagram urging people not to travel, saying, "Maui is not a place for your vacation right now." Momoa is an actor from Hawaii.

He emphasized, "Do not travel there (Maui). Do not convince yourself that you need to be on an island that is suffering so deeply."

Another Hawaii-born actor, Dwayne Johnson, also stated on his Instagram, "By now, people around the world must have learned about the wildfire disaster that struck Hawaii. It is truly heartbreaking news," and added, "Hawaii still needs a lot of help."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Paris Hilton spotted on Hawaii beach despite 'travel restraint' requests

Meanwhile, Paris Hilton (42), known as the heiress of the global hotel chain Hilton Group, was spotted enjoying a vacation on a beach on Maui Island, sparking controversy.

Hilton arrived on Maui Island on the 8th, the day the fire broke out, and was seen enjoying a vacation with her husband and son on the beach near a resort in the Wailea area of Maui on the 12th. This beach is only about 48 km away from Lahaina, the area most severely affected by the wildfire on Maui Island.

However, a source close to Hilton told foreign media, "Hilton is helping with the Maui wildfire disaster," adding, "She is gathering relief supplies and delivering them to shelters and those in need."