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Actor Jason Momoa strongly advised against tourists visiting the island of Maui after the devastating wildfires destroyed the historic town of Lahaina last week.
The death toll reached 96 victims as search and rescue efforts continued following the conflagration reportedly due to the combination of drought and strong winds from Hurricane Dora driving the flames.
Momoa–who is Native Hawaiian on his paternal side–posted a notice to followers instructing them to reconsider vacation plans to Maui.
“DO NOT TRAVEL TO MAUI," he wrote in the first of a carousel of updates and information relating to the environmental catastrophe.
The overlaid text against various footage of the aftermath continued:
"If you were planning on traveling to Maui in the near future, cancel your trip."
"The devastation from the wildfires will have a lasting island-wide impact on Maui's resources."
"Our community needs time to heal, grieve & restore."
"That means the less visitors on island taking up critical resources that have become extremely limited the better."
"Do not book a hotel stay," he said explaining the state's Lodging Association and the Hotel Alliance were working together to house displaced residents.
"Survivors are the priority.”
Momoa captioned his post with:
"Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now."
"DO NOT TRAVEL TO MAUI."
"Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply."
"Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need."
His message was received loud and clear.
@prideofgypsies/Instagram
@prideofgypsies/Instagram
@prideofgypsies/Instagram
@prideofgypsies/Instagram
@prideofgypsies/Instagram
@prideofgypsies/Instagram
@prideofgypsies/Instagram
The Game of Thrones actor added that Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines have lowered prices so that victims can evacuate off the island.
He also stated that the cheap flights were not meant for travelers who were not affected by the natural disaster.
The post concluded with various information on how the public could help with relief efforts, including a link for donations towards the "Emergency Fundraiser for Maui Fires."
On August 10, Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the number of people missing has decreased as victims established contacts with relatives and friends.
However, he said:
“We are prepared for many tragic stories.”