Maui, Hawaii – In a highly publicized development, after days of heavy criticism for not allowing the use of a private road in an emergency, media billionaire Oprah Winfrey has finally officially opened the gate of Haleakala Ranch Road so that local residents can move to higher ground, avoiding the risk of a tsunami that seriously threatens the coastal area.
The incident began when the US National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning after a series of strong aftershocks off the Pacific coast. Evacuation orders were immediately issued in many coastal areas of Maui, including Wailea – a place with a large population and tourist population. However, while thousands of residents were trying to escape the danger zone, the shortcut through Haleakala Ranch – which is owned by Oprah – remained barricaded and closed to traffic.
The incident quickly spread on social media at a dizzying speed. Locals shared photos and videos of cars blocked off at the gate, calling for officials to intervene and questioning Oprah Winfrey for allowing a life-saving road to be closed during such an emergency.
Outrage grew as many residents said this was not just a matter of private property, but also a humanitarian issue. One Kihei resident tweeted: “She says she loves Hawaii, but she closes the gate to life during a time of emergency. What kind of love is that?”
In response to a wave of criticism from the public and pressure from local officials, Oprah Winfrey’s representative issued a statement this morning: “Given the emergency and for the safety of the community, Oprah Winfrey has directed the gate to be opened at Haleakala Ranch to assist with evacuation efforts. She cares deeply about the people of Maui and will continue to contribute in many ways.”
Immediately after the announcement, rescue teams and residents began moving through the road, helping to relieve the load on already overloaded main roads. Local police confirmed that they had been granted permission to use the road to access the danger zones more quickly.
However, the decision to open the gate did not completely erase the frustration of many people. Some residents said that Oprah should have opened the road when the tsunami warning was issued, instead of waiting for public pressure. “We can’t wait for a celebrity to decide to take action. In a natural disaster, every second counts,” said one Lahaina resident.
However, many also recognized that Oprah changed her mind and acted promptly before a major disaster occurred. Local officials said that the road would continue to be used in emergency situations, and urged other private landowners in Maui to follow suit.
The incident is not only a lesson in natural disasters, but also highlights the fraught relationship between Hawaii’s super-rich landowners and indigenous peoples who feel increasingly marginalized.
