By Dy Gleckner, New Jersey
I’ve been coming to Maui for well over 30 years.
I first landed on Oahu in 1963 on my way to live in Singapore. I resided in Singapore for about six years and, during that time, I traveled all around Southeast Asia. I haven’t been to Oahu for many years but have been flying in to Kahului directly from the East Coast mainland. I have made personal friends on the island and have enjoyed their friendship for all these years. My adopted godchild lives in Upcountry Maui. She is now 19 and going to college at UH.
I am totally against the general nature of Maui changing to the likes of Rock & Brews. One of the unique things about Paia was its real Hawaiian flavor for the general tourist I have planned many trips for friends and colleagues and have always included Paia in them. If it begins to look like any other place in the world’s strip malls, what would be the tourist draw? Without tourists the economy will be seriously affected.
Change happens but monitored change is best for all. Get some laws in place to counteract these expats from changing Maui forever. Enough is enough.