A Message For Hyatt Vacation Club at Kaanapali Beach Owners

Dear Hyatt Vacation Club at Kāʻanapali Beach Owner,

It’s hard to imagine that just over a month has passed since the tragic events occurred on Maui. As you are likely aware, efforts continue on Maui to recover from the devastating wildfires that destroyed Lahaina and surrounding areas. Sadly, many of our associates have experienced the heartbreaking loss of loved ones, their homes, and memories in the fires, and the West Maui community is still grieving.

In addition to the impact on our associates, these wildfires have affected the West Maui area around the resort. Many local businesses are not operating, resulting in limited, or no access to places such as fuel stations and restaurants. Golf courses and grocery stores are starting to reopen.

At the one-month mark, during a press conference by Governor Green, he reinforced his unwavering commitment to resources, financial support, and a long-term plan for the re-building of Lahaina. He confirmed what we all know: the timeline is not a short one and will require patience, understanding and grace on the part of the community. There is a difficult road ahead, but he assured the community that he is devoted to doing what it takes to support the people of Lahaina. Governor Green announced at a press conference on Friday, September 8th, that after considering both the emotional and economic conditions of remaining shuttered for too long, he has decided to reopen West Maui to visitors on October 8, 2023, with no restrictions, but until that date he continues to strongly discourage non-essential travel to West Maui.

As you can imagine, Governor Green’s announcement of reopening West Maui to visitors in October has been met with mixed emotions by the local community. Many believe it may be too soon, while others believe residents and business owners need to get back to work and begin some level of normalcy. Effective September 15, we began accepting only Owners and Interval International^® (II) members who have pre-existing reservations at the resort. This is being done with the understanding that many Owners consider Maui home and wish to return to support the local community and our associates. In alignment with the governor’s discouragement of non-essential travel, HVO is not accepting revenue-generating reservations of transient guests until after October 8.

With this in mind, we have provided pre-arrival communications to Owners and II members with upcoming reservations to explain the current conditions of West Maui and the status of amenities and services at the resort. The use of the resort pool remains uncertain through October 8 , and we will not be able to offer the same level of amenities and services in these early weeks. Rest assured; our intent is to ultimately restore services to pre-August 8 levels. We recognize, however, that this goal will not be immediate and is largely dependent upon the available workforce. Additionally, our pre-arrival letter will urge Owners to be mindful of their actions, respectful of the island, and sensitive in their interactions with associates and locals. The impact zone of Lahaina is completely off limits, and the situation in West Maui has not returned to normal. Owners should expect services, supermarkets, restaurants, and other businesses to be very limited, or not available at all. All available resources are still laser-focused on the local community and those in need.

We continue to navigate these difficult times together with our teams. We are sensitive and cognizant of what our impacted associates have endured, as well as those in the community. It’s been an emotional and surreal journey for all of us. I am grateful to our supportive Board of Directors for their steadfast care, support and understanding during this time. One thing is clear; you should be immensely proud of the resort team, your Board of Directors, and the resilience of the community. Like the roots of the iconic banyan tree, the Maui community is showing strength and that’s exactly what people of Lahaina have emulated in the last weeks.

On a positive note, your Board of Directors has worked diligently in the wake of the tragedy to set up a 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation to raise funds for the Hyatt Vacation Club at Kāʻanapali Beach resort operations associates. In the past several weeks, we conveyed information about this foundation to our Owners through multiple communications. Thanks to the generosity of our Owners, I am very pleased to announce that the Charitable Foundation dedicated to supporting the HVC Kāʻanapali associates has raised more than $500,000 in donations. The Charitable Foundation committee, established by the Board, diligently created guidelines for associates to apply for aid and has already begun providing much needed assistance. More than 50 associates who applied for assistance have received their first checks from the Charitable Foundation. The associates and our entire team are grateful for your generosity. Should you want to learn more about the Charitable Foundation or to donate, please visit: Charitable Ventures – HVC Associate Recovery Fund

As we continue to navigate the fluid and ever-changing dynamics in West Maui, we will communicate with you in advance of your reservations to help provide information on what to expect when visiting your home away from home. You can also view the resort information link on the Owner website at www.hyattvacationclub.com . We understand that due to the website upgrades implemented shortly after the wildfire tragedy, there were some challenges with updating resort information associated with the situation in Maui. This has been corrected, and the resort information link on the Owner website will have the most up to date information for your visit. Should you have additional questions or want to make changes to upcoming reservations, please contact Owner Services at 1-800-GO-HYATT.

I would personally like to thank you all for your care, concern, patience, and generosity of spirit as we continue to provide for our associates while working to also welcome back our Owners and guests in the coming weeks.

Mahalo,

Jami Champagne
Market Vice President Resort Operations, HVO West & Hawaii