Hawaii prepares to host California first responders after wildfire
Jan 18, 2025
HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The California wildfires have burned about 60 square miles so far, which is about the size of urban Honolulu. When those fires are contained, officials are offering victims a chance to heal here in Hawaii.
When Lahaina was destroyed by fire, Hawaii officials said California was there to help and added that it was our turn to do the same.
"We're gonna try to do a lot to support Los Angeles," said Gov. Josh Green. "And the reason is because first, we care about people. They supported us. California supported us a great deal when we went through the Maui wildfire disaster."
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When these fires are out, some Hawaii hotels will offer packages for first responders from California, like firefighters, police and emergency service personnel, that would be severely discounted or even free.
"After the fires are over, an option or possibility to come to Hawaii, spend some time here at a very, very discounted rate because you know they're going through a lot right now," said James Tokioka, state Department of Business & Economic Development Director. "And we know to a certain extent because of what happened in Lahaina."
"We have a very close cultural, economic, social relationship with Los Angeles so it's a natural step to see how we can acknowledge those heroes on the front line," said Mufi Hannemann, Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association President.
Hawaii hotels did the same for local first responders during COVID with "Hotels for Heroes," and then extended the offer to healthcare workers as well.
"I would say 40 percent of our mainland business comes from California, maybe a little more from the West Coast," said Tokioka. "So is it gonna impact travel to Hawaii? You know probably."
Officials said Hawaii understands what California is going through right now. And Hawaii knows how to show aloha.
"I think that's what we're noted for," said Hannemann. "Hawaii's always had its compassionate feel, that people always talk about and when they come here, they go back home and they talk about it some more."
Tokioka added Governor Green has already spoken to California Governor Gavin Newsom about ways to help. And Tokioka has a counterpart in California he's working with.
"And they'll remember this," said Tokioka. "The government in California will remember this. And however they can support us going forward, I'm sure they will because they always have."