Maui’s push to eliminate thousands of legal vacation rentals appears to be unraveling as new data reveals deep economic risks. But for travelers, the uncertainty remains.
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65 thoughts on “Is Maui’s Reversal on Vacation Rental Ban Too Little Too Late?”
Maui is now part of a Globalist strategy to transform it into a Smart Island, with the Smart City being Lahaina. Expect more draconian changes to come.
Yet another example of incompetent governments making stupid decisions and destroying the Hawaiian economy. Unfortunately the residents are to blame for voting in these baffoons.
There are many many more wonderful places to visit then maui the locals who live here are truly blessed people the tourist are basically screwed because even the cheapest abnb are Too expensive there is an undying culture war Between the preservation of hawaiians and hawaiiana. Vs. Tourist just looking for the angle Of money and consumerism Road overuse by larger Suv rentals the landfills Growing like a giant tumor infectious inbound germs hurting the hotels industry who Pay more taxes per head. Then abnb and Creating marvelous empires of majestic resorts culture!!! Abnb in small apartments are an overpriced sham Fueled purely for profit and greed!!
I built a second home on Maui 24 years ago….it’s been a nice trip but it’s come to an end. The locals are not friendly, the politicians have gone stupid and it’s just not safe anymore. My property taxes as a non-resident are increasing dramatically and the locals property taxes are dropping. I recently decided to sell my property like many others. Most of the residents live in poverty but all drive new trucks with big tires. I realize that I am not wanted, needed or safe there anymore…..I am leaving.
We have felt a real sense of being unwelcome and it has increased over the years. I do not want to travel to a location where my families presence is treated as it’s ruining peoples culture and destroying their lives. I want to relax on vacation and not be treated like a nuisance. There are plenty of tropical destinations that are far less expensive and political than Hawaii.
Due to the uncertainty in Maui we’ve shifted our travel to other islands. We will not stay in a hotel environment so our choice of destination has a lot to do with that. Also eliminating short term rentals won’t automatically make those available to locals. If they sell, they may sell to non-locals who can afford ownership, particularly if the prices drop. But they might not be affordable to locals even at a reduced price. I feel for the locals who need housing but I’m not sure this is the solution if it hurts the economy and eliminates jobs.
I have been to Maui about seven times in the last eight years. There really is no great cultural experiences there. Pretty boring except for the beauty of the ocean. And on top of how Hawaii has been treating the vacation rentals since the fires, I have seen an increase in racist behavior towards white tourists.
I realize this is not the Associated Press, but could you do a little bit of fact-checking?
Maui Banyan is officially hotel zoned and therefore was never on any list for being canceled for vacation rentals.
Misinformation hurts travelers and property owners alike.
Honua Kai was never on the list and never at risk. They are hotel zoned.
We haven’t coming for years and we’re planning on coming this summer. But after all of this started to hit, we canceled our month-long vacation rental. It will take us years to trust the Maui government again.
Maui has so many people that love it. You won’t make it better by banning STRs for all the reasons commented on below. You won’t make it better by building more resorts. It is going to take vision, courage and time to make the changes that are needed. Leaders must tilt away from the resort/vacation economy to provide a long term solution for residents and visitors alike that improve Maui. This means affordable housing. Even doctors can’t afford to live on Maui. It means building an exceptional education system so employers have workers who want to earn more than what a housekeeper makes at a resort or STR. It means providing incentives to employers who create jobs in other areas of the economy rather than the travel resort industry. This takes leadership and it takes time. Now is the perfect time to find leaders and empower them to make new, different decisions that will make better for Maui for the next generation.
You are 100% correct.
Mayor Bissen talks about culture and the difficulties of keeping culture when people leave.
He is right, but people aren’t leaving because of housing shortages. People are leaving because there are not good jobs available. Maui needs to diversify its economy to keep its people. Killing the one industry doesn’t keep its people home.
Your education results are some of the worst anywhere. Sadly many locals want handouts and do not care if their children go to school. Literacy and math skills are so low that they are almost impossible to change unless you vote for change. Current will never change.
this is one of the biggest self inflicted wounds one can find…sacrificing the near certainty of loyal tourists for levels of uncertainty with an ill advised STR ban…the damage has been done…sadly Maui & overall Hawaii travel uncertainty is here to stay…and the residents keep voting for these people…