Maui Invitational returns to a Lahaina still grappling with raw emotions left by deadly wildfire
Residents of the Hawaii town devastated by last year's wildfire are awaiting the return of one of the nation's most prestigious basketball tournaments with mixed feelings
HONOLULU — Three generations of TJ Rickard’s family lost their homes in the deadly Maui wildfire more than a year ago, and he and his extended family still have not rebuilt. That leaves Rickard, a high school basketball coach, conflicted about next week's return of the storied Maui Invitational college tournament.
Like many, Rickard is excited to have top-drawer basketball played in Lahaina’s humble arena, but he worries people will think it's business as usual in his hometown. In truth, he says, Lahaina is still struggling after the fire killed at least 102 people and leveled thousands of homes.
“Not even a minute drive away from where they play, there’s houses that are burned down that are still waiting to be rebuilt,” said Rickard, the boys head coach at Lahainaluna High School.
Many residents are excited about the local exposure to high-caliber competition and the economic boost the Maui Invitational will bring. But there’s also a fear that travelers might show disrespect by wandering into the Lahaina burn zone and taking photos of the devastation, or trigger unpleasant memories with questions about that catastrophic day.
“People are in a weird state right now over here because there’s so much displacement and loss of community,” said Jon Conrad, Lahainaluna's athletic director. “It’s a highly sensitive and slightly charged environment.”
Boosters coming to Lahaina should know “it’s been a year and more, but things are still a little raw," Conrad said.
The Maui Invitational will bring eight of the NCAA’s best men’s teams — including two-time
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