KAILUA-KONA — A West Hawaii business canceled its luau show Monday after organizers of the demonstration on Maunakea called upon the visitor industry to suspend operations to show support for the protectors.
In a press release, the groups Kia‘i o Mauna Kea, KAHEA: The Hawaiian Environmental Alliance, Huli (Hawaii Unity and Liberation Institute) and Ka Lahui Hawaii Political Action Committee called for a statewide peaceful boycott.
“We ask all within the hospitality industry who share our culture with tourists to stand with us by halting all services for one day,” the statement read.
In West Hawaii, Island Breeze Luau answered the call by canceling its Haleo Luau at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.
“It is our honor to stand with our kanaka and show our solidarity as we make a commitment to lokahi and aloha aina. We trust that our visitors to the island will understand any inconvenience this may cause them and support the stand that is being taken to preserve the aina they are enjoying,” Island Breeze Director of Marketing Becky Fernandez said in a statement.
The weekly Monday luau attracts an average of 200-250 visitors.
“We understand our partner’s decision in cancelling our luau,” commented Sara Lebrun-Scott, Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay’s director of marketing and sales.
Also canceled Monday on the Big Island were Skyline Hawaii’s zipline operations in East Hawaii, as well as So Juicy in Hilo.
Skyline Hawaii also suspended operations on Kauai and Maui, as well as its tours to the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s tallest peak, and to the small town of Hana.
Old Lahaina Luau on Maui called off its nightly luau for Monday. The show, which seats 450 people, had been sold out.
All businesses will resume normal operations today.