Skift Take

Governor Josh Green sat down with Skift about his vision for Hawaii and Maui's future. Green wants to see Hawaii have more sporting events, fewer short-term rentals, and a more resilient Maui

Dawit Habtemariam

Tourists will see a new, more resilient Maui next year, thanks to billions in spending from the Hawaiian government, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green.

It has been over a year since a wildfire destroyed thousands of buildings and homes and killed over 100 people in Maui’s western region, making it one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history.

Even though it affected only 10% of the island, news coverage of the event left the public with the impression that the island was closed to tourism.

Visitor spending in Maui totaled $3.5 billion between January and August, down 20% from last year, according to the state government’s latest data. Maui is Hawaii's second most popular island for tourism.

Green spoke with Skift about rebuilding Maui, reducing short-term rentals, attracting sports tourism events, and financing climate resilience.

Maui Is Rebuilding

According to the governor, 2024 was about laying the “groundwork” for recovery, while 2025 will be about the “deployment” of resources.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green, M.D. Source: Hawaii Office of the Governor

All disaster debris has been removed. Hotels are ready to accommodate visitors, and the FEMA is joining local governments to build new housing units.

“Thousands of houses will go up, and small businesses will grad