LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jason Momoa has sent a message on social media advising potential tourists to avoid Maui. "Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now," Momoa wrote on Instagram on Friday, August 11.
The post further read, "Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply."
This comes after a series of wildfires broke out in Hawaii, causing widespread damage.
The 'Aquaman' actor also cautioned that inexpensive airfares are aiding in the off-island evacuation of wildfire victims and that nearby hotels are prioritizing individuals displaced. However, this brings us to the question, where is Momoa from?
Where is Jason Momoa from?
Momoa's mother raised him in Norwalk, Lowa, after he was born in Honolulu. Momoa attended the University of Hawaii after moving back to the island state following his high school graduation.
But things soon took a turn when Takeo Kobayashi, a well-known worldwide fashion designer, caught sight of the actor.
Momoa's attractive appearance and toned physique contributed to his victory as 'Hawaii's Model of the Year' and his ability to walk the Louis Vuitton catwalk at the Governor's Fashion Show in 1999, as per Variety.
What did Jason Momoa advise potential tourists?
Taking to his social media, Momoa advised tourists that "Maui is not the place to have your vacation right now." He wrote, “Our community needs time to heal, grieve and restore."
Further adding, “That means the less visitors on island taking up critical resources that have become extremely limited the better.” The actor is directing people to charities so they can donate to help individuals affected by the fires.
Momoa reposted heartbreaking images from the organization ‘Āina Momona, which explains the devastation currently happening on the island.
“On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, a terrible combination of drought conditions and hurricane weather led to widespread wildfires across the island of Maui,” they wrote.
“Lahaina town is gone,” the post continued. “Families were forced to evacuate on short notice, many escaping with only the clothes on their backs.”
Another slide from Momoa's re-post said, "The fires drove people to jump into the ocean to escape flames and smoke and forced people to evacuate."
The post also lists numerous charities that individuals can support, such as the Maui Strong Fund run by the Hawai'i Community Foundation and the ActBlue Emergency Fundraiser for the Maui Fire.
Additionally, the message encourages readers to follow @kakoo_haleakala, the account for the group Kako'o Haleakala, which describes itself as "on a mission to protect and preserve the Land and native species of the Hawaiian Kingdom," as reported by Variety.
What is happening in Maui?
At least 89 people have died in the fire that consumed Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui, making it the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century and with the toll expected to rise.
Current reports indicate that at least 1,000 buildings have been destroyed, nearly 11,000 individuals don't have power, and more than 1,300 people have been relocated, while at least 11,000 people have been displaced.
