MAUI, HAWAII: Amidst the ongoing devastation caused by a destructive wildfire on Maui, the residents face another day of challenges, with 53 lives lost and hundreds left homeless.
Following the passage of Category 4 Hurricane Dora in Hawaii, the strong winds it left in its wake served as fuel for a wildfire that wreaked havoc on the town of Lahaina in Maui. As the island grapples with this tragedy, attention turns to its affluent landowners, raising questions about their involvement and contributions towards the recovery process.
Who are the stars who own homes in Hawaii?
Prominent figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Jeff Bezos, Larry Ellison, Clint Eastwood, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, and Steven Tyler own homes or properties in Hawaii.
However, despite their influential status, none of them have issued statements regarding their plans to help those who are suffering in the wake of the wildfire's destruction.
With an impressive net worth of $2.5 billion, Oprah holds ownership of nearly 2,000 acres of land on Maui, where she has been living part-time for the past 15 years. Currently, it remains uncertain whether any of her property was affected by the wildfire.
In March 2023, she added to her land holdings by acquiring the most recent piece of property, encompassing 860 acres, for $6.6 million. The island is also home to other well-known individuals, including Amazo Bezos.
Boasting a staggering net worth of $162 billion, Bezos stands as the world's third-richest person. He possesses a $78 million property located on the southwest shore of Maui.
While his fiancee Lauren Sanchez, Bezos expressed her heartbreak over the fires on Instagram, Bezos himself has not yet released a statement regarding the situation. Sanchez shared a video of the tragic scene and wrote, "This is breaking my heart."
A source close to the couple said they are "devastated" by the disaster. "They have been on the phone with locals and local officials since yesterday. They will be making donations to help the community," the source claimed, as per Daily Mail.
Mick Fleetwood's Hawaii restaurant was destroyed in the fire
Mick Fleetwood, a member of the band Fleetwood Mac, faced a devastating blow as his Lahaina-based restaurant was completely consumed by the flames. "Maui and the Lahaina community have been my home for several decades. This is a devastating moment for Maui, and many are suffering unimaginable loss," the drummer wrote on Twitter.
"Fleetwood's on Front Street has been lost and while we are heartbroken, our main priority is the safety of our dear staff and team members. On behalf of myself and my family, I share my heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the people of Maui," he added.
"We are committed to supporting the community and those affected by this disaster in the days and months and years to come," concluded the musician.
Several people on the internet have been reaching out to Oprah, urging her to help the Hawaii residents who have been affected by the fire.
One person wrote on Twitter, "Hey @oprah I know you have about 900 acres of land not far from the fires in Lahaina. Maui - Hawaii. Are you planning on opening your massive farm to shelter the locals and feed them? I am kindly waiting for your response."
Another netizen asked, "Where's the 'Queen of Maui' when you need her? Desperate Hawaiians beg billionaire residents Oprah, Bezos & Larry Ellison for help after devastating wildfire that torched entire town of Lahaina and left 36 dead Oprah silent as residents beg for her help."
Another added, "@Oprah where you at?? Why don’t I see you on Hawaii news helping in Maui??? You fricken live there," while one wrote, "Get your check book out with @Oprah show them your love for Hawaii."
One person wrote, "Oprah needs to open her wallet and donate to hawaii Red Cross/any funds to help aid fire/ohana affected by the #mauifire."
Another said, "The Worldwide #ClimateCatastrophe has arrived in Hawaii. It's HEARTBREAKING Prayers to Everyone on Maui & Big Island. @Oprah, your adopted home sure could use some SUPPORT & HELP Please."
"#LarryEllison #BillGates #MarkZuckerberg #Oprah and all the other rich people with ties to Hawaii: it's time to step up and contribute money there WITHOUT it benefitting you," one user tweeted.
