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You don't see it. I get it. We live in extraordinary times. When your "in it," so to speak, it's hard to witness accurately.
Maui is in decline. If we do not pull our heads out of the sand, those that are left will inherit an elephant graveyard.
The kids are gone. No, not yours and mine. We knew where they would raise their kids with the decisions we made 30 years ago.
I'm talking about the Cali, Oregon, Wash state, Denver, Salt Lake City, Vegas, Phoenix and Providence kids; the 18- to 26-year-olds that bolster our visitor industry and breathe life into this world.
COVID sent them packing. Our free-market economy has signaled that they made the right call.
The Marriott hotel group is representing 15 premier properties on this island. This is a monopoly that is impacting every aspect of our lives. Room rates, rank-and-file job opportunities and real estate prices. They no longer need a larger presence because their competitors are playing ball.
My woes and the county's woes cannot be laid at one doorstep. But we have to start looking around and paying attention.
John O'Connor
Makawao