HOLLYWOOD, FL –  Devastating wildfires are affecting areas on Maui and Hawaii island’s Kohala coast. GAWDA is actively monitoring the situation and staying in close contact with city officials and local partners on Maui. While the News has reported extensive damage in the Lahaina area which is 28 miles away from the Grand Wailea, there has been no damage in Wailea and the surrounding community. The Grand Wailea has also informed us that the route between the airport and resort is unaffected.

The situation is still fluid, so we will continue to communicate with the Grand Wailea and other event partners about their situation over the next few days. We ask that GAWDA members be patient while they work through this crisis and keep the families, individuals, and businesses impacted by the wildfires in their thoughts.

Despite these ongoing challenges posed by the wildfires, GAWDA is continuing its preparations for the upcoming Annual Convention scheduled from October 1st to 4th. GAWDA recognizes the dynamic nature of the situation and will provide updates regarding the convention as the situation evolves.

For further updates and information about the GAWDA Annual Convention, please visit gawda.org.

About GAWDA

For over 75 years, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) has been dedicated to promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment supplies. Through its GAWDA Gives Back campaign, association members have donated almost $2 million over the last 22 years to over 20 different charitable organizations in 14 communities across the U.S. Since 2013, GAWDA and its members also have provided scholarships over $430,000 to 133 young people interested in studies leading to careers in the industry. For more information, visit the association’s website at www.gawda.org.