The majority within Maui County Council seems to be obsessed with limiting tourism.

I’m not sure they understand that they are shooting themselves in the foot. Or understand the law of unintended consequences.

Besides the actual visitor infrastructure such as hotels and resort condominiums, there are hundreds of peripheral support businesses on Maui that employ many who totally depend on tourism for their income.

A 20- or 30-percent drop in tourism could spur mass unemployment and mass exodus from Maui.

We have been hearing for years that we need to diversify Maui’s economy. However, diversification is not going to happen anytime soon.

Our two leading economists in Hawaii say that on a global basis, we cannot compete in any business or industry except upscale tourism, no matter how much we wish it to be different. There is a reason both the pineapple and sugar industries have disappeared.

We have 2,000 to 3,000 kids graduating Maui high schools every year. Where are these kids going to work? High-tech industry? We have none. Agriculture? Jobs are few. Construction? Not likely with new projects being limited.

So, what are these kids going to do? They move to the mainland for better and more job opportunities and, in many cases, simply stay there.

If most of the council thinks this is all a good idea, then we need new council members.

Bob Pure

Lahaina