Independent Operators
Food truck owner criticizes Jason Momoa for saying Hawaii is closed
August 28, 2023
In light of the fires currently impacting the island of Maui, many prominent figures including actor and native Hawaiian Jason Momoa have told tourists to stay away. However, some locals, including Daniel Kalahiki, owner of food truck Like Poke, have criticized these statements. Kalahiki said that his truck is in Wailuku and wasn't impacted by the fires, which have particularly impacted Kula and Lahaina, according to a report by Yahoo.com.
"Lahaina's closed. We grieve for them, we cry for them, we do everything we can for them, and it will never, ever be okay or be the same," Kalahiki said. "But we still need the rest of the island to be open so we can continue to live."
He also insisted that local businesses still need the support from tourists to stay open in light of these difficult times and that statements by people like Momoa make things worse.
"Jason Momoa, have fun on your late-night shows throwing spears with your buddies, but what're you guys going to do for us now?" he asked.
Kalahiki called on tourists to instead plan their trips responsibly and stay away from Lahaina.
