Travel industry joins forces to help relief efforts

Airlines are operating relief flights with supplies to Maui following the Hawaii wildfires.

Other travel firms are also playing their part and encouraging the industry to get involved.

Delta will contribute $250,000 to the American Red Cross in support of its Hawaii wildfires disaster response.

“Delta stands in support of the people affected by the fires in Hawaii,” said Tad Hutcheson, MD of Community Engagement.

“We are thankful to have partners like the Red Cross that specialize in disaster response year-round.”

Delta customers can support relief efforts by donating via Delta’s Customer Microsite.

Alaska Airlines operated relief flights and is donating five million air miles to nonprofit partner Kanu Hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines is adding more flights and offering a special fare of $19 for flights out of Maui.

The airline says loyalty members have donated millions of miles to help fund flights.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is updating travel partners on the latest situation on Maui.

HTA is discouraging leisure travel to West Maui while relief efforts take place.

Nearly 50,000 people have flown out of Kahului Airport in the past few days.

HTA calls on travelers to reschedule their travel plans for a later date.

Hotels in West Maui have stopped accepting bookings of future reservations for the time being.

The HTA calls on concerned people to consider donating to the relief effort through the Maui Strong Fund which was established by the Hawaii Community Foundation.

Over three million visit Maui each year, mostly from the US West and East coasts.

The Red Cross is assisting as search and rescue efforts continue.

It says more than 220 trained American Red Cross workers are on the scene.

Other travel industry players are supporting relief efforts.

Pleasant Holidays and AAA Hawaii are donating $75,000 to the American Red Cross.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association is working with the Hawaii Hotel Alliance to support employees and remaining guests in West Maui.

Hotel members on Oahu are chipping in by providing free rooms for displaced Maui residents.

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