Kaanapali Beach Maui

Vague Laws, Big Consequences: Uncertainty Chokes Maui Vacation Rentals

Vagueness from the Maui County Council is disrupting the island’s vacation rentals. Meanwhile, the hotels are reaping the benefits as visitors ponder what to do. The date for 7,000 short-term rentals on Maui to be outlawed starts on June 1, 2025. That’s when 2,200 vacation rentals on West Maui are scheduled to be terminated if the proposal is implemented.

For visitors planning a Maui getaway, the uncertainty surrounding vacation rentals has become a major concern, as reflected in hundreds of comments we’ve received. With ongoing legal questions, shifting regulations, and conflicting information, many travelers are unsure whether their bookings will remain valid. Moreover, it leaves potential visitors insecure about the status of vacation rentals throughout Hawaii.

What began as a heated policy proposal has become one of the island’s most debated topics. At the heart of the issue is the county’s effort to phase out about 7,000 short-term rentals, about half of the island’s inventory, particularly those in what are termed apartment-zoned areas. However, despite legislation advancing, the process has stalled due to pending economic impact studies, legal challenges, and significant pushback from property owners and the tourism industry.

This confusion continues to leave visitors questioning whether their accommodations will be secure, while rental owners also face an uncertain future. Here’s what one reader shared that is typical of so many comments we received:

“The pending regulations in Maui scared us off. We’re still coming this summer, spending a couple days in Hana and the rest of the week uplands. We really wanted to do a week in West Maui but between the disruptions of the fire, the reports of some residents being hostile and the pending regulations possibly causing a cancellation.” –Comment from Matthew on BOH.

Some argue that the crackdown is necessary to free up housing for residents, while others believe that is not true and could devastate Maui’s economy by reducing visitor lodging options.

What the proposed law means and where it stands.

Maui County has been weighing a proposed law that would eliminate short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas, commonly called the Minatoya List properties. While the bill has gained momentum, it remains in limbo, awaiting further review by the County Council and an economic impact report due in late 2024 that has yet to be publicly released.

No implementation has begun, and no specific official timeline has been set for phasing out these rentals. However, if the law is enacted, it can impact thousands of vacation rental units. The county has suggested that ample notice would be given before any enforcement takes place. How that would play out remains unclear, given the legal limbo and the proposed dates for enforcement that are fast approaching.

Meanwhile, significant legal challenges are expected, with rental owners arguing that the law unfairly targets vacation condos that have operated legally for decades. The potential for drawn-out heated court battles could delay or halt implementation, leaving travelers and property owners in further limbo.

Travelers fear cancellations, while some say concerns are overblown.

With all the uncertainty, travelers are left wondering if their Maui vacation rental is at risk of being canceled. Some fear booking a condo only to have it become illegal before their trip, while others worry about last-minute disruptions if enforcement begins.

Not everyone believes these concerns are justified. One longtime Beat of Hawaii commenter said, “The Maui legal STRs in apartment zoning are not restricted. They won’t be phased out without years of advance notice. Your reservation won’t be canceled because your condo is being phased out. There is talk about reducing STRs, but that talk has been going on for years, with no actual phase-out laws passed.”

On the other hand, some visitors aren’t taking chances. As Sam C. commented, “Maui’s crackdown on vacation rentals is only going to make the market much more chaotic. Visitors don’t want to book a place if they aren’t sure it’ll still be legal by the time they arrive.”

Hotels stand to benefit while vacation rental rates fluctuate.

As uncertainty looms over short-term rentals, Hawaii hotels stand to benefit from the circumstances. They could see increased demand, which has led to concerns about relationships between the Hawaii hotel industry and local and state governments. Reynolds C. said, “The pandering Mayor demonized STRs, and sale prices have plummeted if you want to sell and get out. Visitor and ownership taxes are obscene and still going up. HOAs have doubled in some cases because of insurance rates rising. The State Legislature could care less. Let’s not forget the Hotels lining the pockets of the elected officials with on and off-the-record support. It’s embarrassing.”

Nonetheless, some travelers are already shifting their plans, opting for hotels rather than risk a vacation rental that new regulations could impact.

At the same time, some vacation rental owners are lowering rates to attract hesitant visitors. Others are holding firm, expecting legal battles to keep their properties in business for years to come.

Keith, a frequent visitor, shared his perspective, “As someone who had visited Hawaii as a family regularly, the elimination of affordable, family-friendly accommodations has hit us hard. To visit and rent several hotel rooms for family is no longer affordable, and eliminating STRs is short-sighted.” JA added, “if STR’s were banned, residents that would need them couldn’t afford them. There is plenty of land and eager investors ready to partner with HI’s government and build affordable housing. The problem is that current government won’t do it. Too much red tape and corruption.”

Meanwhile, others see this as a long-overdue move to rebalance Maui’s housing market. Bill has repeatedly put it bluntly, saying, “All vacation rentals need to be banned from residential and AG zoning across the entire state of Hawaii. Vacation rentals should only be permitted in areas zoned resort.”

Maui’s crackdown fuels Hawaii’s broader vacation rental decline.

Recent data shows that Hawaii vacation rentals have already seen a sharp drop since 2019, with occupancy plummeting to 52%. The uncertainty surrounding Maui’s regulations only adds to the turbulence, leaving visitors and rental owners in limbo.

What travelers should do now.

West Maui rentals on the Minatoya list are still scheduled for the chopping block on June 1, 2025, although whether anything will happen is unclear. If your rental is on the list, we suggest calling the rental host or property manager before booking. Consider refundable booking options. Use a credit card in the event of any issues arising.

South Maui rentals appear completely safe to book over the next few years. The new proposed date for their elimination “could” come as late as January 1, 2029.

Be prepared to leverage any price shifts as vacation rental supply and demand fluctuate in response to the ongoing uncertainty.

While the fate of Maui’s vacation rental market remains unclear, travelers can expect more changes in the months ahead. As the Maui County Council continues its debate and legal challenges unfold, we must all navigate an evolving landscape regarding Hawaii vacations.

Please share your thoughts and concerns!

Beat of Hawaii © photo at Kaanapali Beach Maui.

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85 thoughts on “Vague Laws, Big Consequences: Uncertainty Chokes Maui Vacation Rentals”

    1. Generally, when people are saying “hotels” they mean all of the resorts, including time shares.

      There are just under 10,000 hotel rooms plus 12,000 time share units. Many of the time share units are 2 or 3 bedroom, so they represent the majority of the rooms. To retain ownership, the time share companies stop selling at 49% and rent out the units the rest of the time.

      By comparison, there are 16,000 legal short term rentals. This proposal is suggesting the elimination of 7,000 of them.

  1. The lack of focus on economic growth is the disease that plagues Hawaii politics. Very little at the county and state level ever gets passed to stimulate the economy. It’s always the opposite, whatever the county or the state passes is designed to destroy the Hawaii economy. Higher taxes, more regulations make Hawaii the most business hostile state in the union. And then they’re surprised that the state is losing 10-20,000 residents per year? What politicians are creating is a paradise for the ultra rich and no one else will be able to afford living here. Not a single vacation rental ban across the state has ever produced a single bit of affordable housing. What a bunch of corrupt politicians we have, all paid for by the hotel industry. The sugar cane industry has been replaced by resort zones, all designed to keep mainland corporations wealthy and keep locals poor.

  2. It is critical that decisions affecting our community are based on data and sound economics, not emotional narratives. Multi-generational families and long-term residents are unlikely to move into one- or two-bedroom condos. The public has been sold an emotionally driven pitch that does not withstand scrutiny or align with economic realities.

    Who is assessing the financial impact of tax revenue loss across all property tax tiers? If revenue declines, how will the county compensate? These are serious fiscal concerns that demand transparency.

    If Maui County is truly committed to its residents, its policies should reflect that—not favor hotel corporations. The community deserves leadership that prioritizes accountability, economic viability, and long-term sustainability. I urge the Council and Mayor to take a data-driven approach that serves residents, not corporate interests.

    3
  3. We’re a long time condo owner at Sands of Kahana on Maui’s west side. It’s our second home in retirement, and we rent out when not there. Sands of Kahana was built as a vacation resort, and is zoned “hotel”. So we are unaffected by the Minatoya law. We are clear to prospective guests about this in our online description. While we’ve seen guests waiting to closer to their stay to book, we are fully booked.

    1. Your place is the kind of place I like to stay. I do prefer the condominium type places. It is a total farce to say that it could be rented out to locals.

      It is also the place that points out the short term rentals are rented by people being “cheap”. I just looked, 2 bedroom units are $450-$600 a night and 3 bedroom units are $1000 to $1100 a night.

      1
  4. It’s all about expectations. The mayor is intent on destroying STRs. No tourist wants that risk. It will be interesting to see if he destroys Maui’s economy.

    2
  5. The tiny homes that were brought in above Waihikuli are mostly vacant. If the mayor and county council vote to eliminate the 7,000+ STVR on the Minotoya list of properties in Apartment Zones, from where will the 7,000+ tenants come? If people were ‘allowed’ into the tiny homes that are set up, the slow-going Keawe St apartments and the Kupuohi apartments are completed, exactly how many people will really be without a home and be in need of housing? There will be no need to Force owners to loose their properties. The UHERO report should take into account what it actually costs to own a vacation home on the ocean. With taxes,insurance and maintenance fees most are a Minimum $5000 a month. How can you rent a 500 SF condo, with One parking space for $5000/month?Why should people who invested in Maui and want to retire here be forced to sell their property because Maui County and the state have never built enough homes for the workforce population? Their kukeana

    6
  6. I’ve been bringing my wife, family and friends to Maui for 19 years. We usually rent a house in Haiku, though we once stayed at the Sheraton. Multiple hotel rooms would easily cost twice as much as the house we rent. We’d have to go elsewhere, so no tourist taxes, no restaurants, no car, bike, snorkel, surfboard rentals. There is more than enough land. Build some homes and get your hands out of the hoteliers’ pockets. Corruption has no place on Maui.

    5
  7. Dear Maui,
    I love you. I spent years of my life embracing aloha. It is crushing to hear the resentment and insults in the comments. Life is hard for locals in a beautiful oasis like Maui. But life can be hard anywhere. Look around, see the beauty you are surrounded by. See the goodness. And, appreciate what you have! So many visitors save for their trip of a lifetime. Give them the gift of aloha. They cannot help but return it and pass it forward. Aloha.

    5
  8. My wife had planned on visiting Hawaii twice a year at the beginning of 2023. We stay about 18 nights per visit. Now with this new law banning STRs, we are going to other destinations (not Hawaii) until things settle down and certainty arises for the long haul. The COVID pandemic taught us very much about the volatility of Hawaiian policies and we decided to avoid the islands for however long this takes to settle down. Plenty of other tropical destinations on this planet.

    7
  9. Just returned from a trip to West Maui and experienced nothing but warmth and kindness in our encounters with those who live on Maui.
    Mahalo!

    7
  10. No apologies needed at all for banning housing disruptive policies. When 7,000 units are turned into residential units once again, 7,000 families will once more have a home. State and County governments are supposed to take care of their citizens. Securing homes for tourists is not in any government charters. Nor should we the citizens of Hawai’i prioritize protecting business cash flow over homelessness. Even if it is a bona fide local business.

    1
    1. These units will never be affordable housing. Look into the costs of insurance, taxes and maintenance for these units. They add to $1000’s / month. Layer a mortgage on top that needs to be serviced and break even comes in at $5-$7k monthly. These are all fixed costs. There is no magic wand that will make them go away.

      Does anyone really think this is affordable?

      This move is simply to drive visitors to expensive hotels and resorts – the same people who run the HTA and contribute to political campaigns.

      The whole think stinks on ice.

      12
    2. That’s a sweet way to look at it. Realistically the people who own those homes will either now sell for a lot of money, or rent out for a lot of money, including property taxes, deposits, first and last etc….. I doubt anyone will just give these properties away or take a big loss on them. For some, and I see it here on the mainland, they will just leave them empty for friends and family.

      6
  11. From a simple search online::

    “As of July 1, 2023, Maui County, Hawaii had 73,563 housing units. This includes owner-occupied and non-owner occupied housing units, such as rental properties””

    So that means according to your article 10% of All Houses are short term rentals. Guess what.. they are not owned by locals.. but fat white people who pay very little in taxes and owned by entities Not based in the islands.

    Yes ban them. And limit the hotels bookings. In a generation there will be no native population… And no reef… Thanks mainlanders.

    3
    1. Wow. Taxes are the same regardless of race, sex or however your looking at it. This is why people are reluctant to go to Maui anymore.

      13
    2. Hi Chris,
      Your stats are not current. Univ Hawaii Economic Research article dated June 25, 2024, “Maui County has a total stock of 63,000 housing units according to property tax records. Currently, 47,400 units are used for local housing, while 13,000 are used as TVRs, and an additional 2,500 operate as time-share units…6,172 units are on the Minatoya list…median unit is 838 square feet”

      Also, please refrain from name calling 🙂

      uhero.hawaii.edu/maui-short-term-rentals-the-minatoya-list-and-housing-supply/

      4
    3. How do you know they are fat? And white?
      Property tax is based on the property – not who the owner is.
      I don’t know about Maui, but a STR 1 bedroom in Waikiki pays around $12,000/year in property tax. A STR 2 bed pays $24,000/year.

      7
      1. True, but on the other hand, if they read common sense replies, they may understand how it works. Everyone pays taxes on properties that they own. No one who owns property let’s it for less than it is worth, nor do they sell for less than it is worth. Just look at what properties are worth in Maui on Zillow, and get an idea of what you will be paying for those now not rentals. Owners will not rent without seeing taxes paid, and breaking even at the very least. Owning and renting out property is risky business, and not a cash cow, as most people think.

        4
    4. Lots of fat boomers moving to Hawaii to retire, only to quickly realize the healthcare system they desperately require is in shambles in Hawaii, and, as a result, they have to leave.

      7,000 boomers are dying every day in the US.

  12. We just returned from three weeks at our favorite place in West Maui. Every single person we talked to and dealt with in resorts, restaurants, shops, food trucks and whatever couldn’t have been friendlier. The overriding theme was welcome back we’re so glad you’re here. The anti tourist crowd is an extreme minority and we saw none of that. Crowds are increasing at beaches and it’s tough to get into some of the better eateries. None of the locals we interacted with want the STR ban. If Maui goes ahead with this short sighted and damaging plan, it’ll be tied up legally for years. Feel confident that you can head back to West Maui and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on planet earth!

    26
  13. Regarding Maui vacation rentals, the Maui tourism industry needs to compress down to a level which equates to hotel beds and nothing more. Just enough hotel beds, rental cars, tour buses, etc sufficient to service a tourist market which beds down visitors only in hotel rooms. No more budget tourists staying in cheap rentals. Jack up prices so demand equals supply and Maui tourism employees can earn decent wages and buy out those former vacation rentals properties. You want a cheap vacation? Go to Mexico.

    8
    1. We can’t afford the hotel charges, fees and taxes. STRs are the perfect fit for us. Hotels are awful, foul, horrifying and sickening. Never had a good experience in any hotel at any place on the planet.

      3
  14. We will not be doing Maui anymore. 35 years. Worried over feeling unwelcome, or causing natives to not want us around, is not a proper vacation for us. Lahaina will be missed.

    8
    1. Sympathize with you! We have experienced hatred for holding a door open for someone recently a month ago. This is a new experience for us after visiting Hawaai since 2018. This attitude might related to the politics related to banning STRs.

      3
  15. A good topic. Decent article.

    But I’m not reading up on the details. This is because (1) I’m not putting up with Maui/Hawaii government nonsense, and (2) if booking a stay is this complicated, it’s a hard pass. We refuse to look at a flow chart of regulation pitfalls merely to book an exorbitant stay in Maui or Hawaii. Not. Interested.

    We’re on an extended stay in the southern mainland U.S. Reasonable prices. Huge selection of rentals. An even bigger selection of restaurants and activities, including some at very reasonable prices. And the sunny weather has been phenomenal, though the nights do drop into the upper 50s.

    And that is why we avoided Hawaii last year and this year. Looks like it’s going to be permanent.

    11
    1. Unfortunately, my wife and I are in your same mindset. We have 1 last trip to Kauai this May into June and then that’s all Hawaii is getting from us for a long time (if ever again).

      3
  16. I have never commented before. We have loved visiting Maui over the years. We spent 30 days there yearly and enjoyed it thoroughly. But with increased prices, rentals, and travel, we can no longer consider Maui a destination that we can visit.
    It is so sad to see such a beautiful state area close itself to visitors who are only willing and able to bring capital into the state. I think everyone loses in this trend.

    27
    1. The state is to blame, because they passed this so call rental idea to who would give them the most money because they had no revenue. They allowed the private sector to come in with no insight of how to legally deal with it, because once the private sector comes in they what something in return. If they did, then this would not happen. So for the ones who did wrong thanks for nothing. Now that this is a mess up problem the state should take accountability for their mistake. But yet society and some people made it hard for everyone else. They know who they are. Yet some of those rentals are not even up to codes. They rent their dwelling and yet the appliances, water and interior is not even safe or liveable and yet the rent is high. So now that things are falling apart no one wants to accountable. If law passes its the people who started this has to take the fall out.

      2
      1. That is sad to hear. I have rentals, not in Hawaii. I have made sure that there is the best fluffiest white towels, white sheets and bedding that is inspected and washed. Nice furniture and artwork. Clean floors and nooks and crannies, well stocked condiments, and all sorts of appliances. I get rave reviews. I want my rentals to be what I would personally want. I have found as I grow older, dirty places really creep me out. Having good cleaners that you reward and pay well are worth their wt in gold.

        4
  17. It’s pretty clear that the governor only wants to fill Hotels, I am sure they fill his pockets. I have visited Maui almost every year since I was 15. I truly love the beauty of the island and the culture of the Hawaiian people. However this last time we were met with very aggressive and unfounded xenophobia from the locals on more that one occasion. We can’t afford 735.00 a night at a hotel, when we are used to paying closer to 200-300. That allowed us to travel the island visiting all the mom and pop shops, and doing activities instead of giving our money to the resorts who filter it back to the mainland and the politicians that support them. I feel sad for Maui, build houses no hate, at this point I don’t think we will ever be back. 🙁

    16
  18. As a former resident, I find that some of the things Hawaii is doing or is planning to do is embarrassing and down right stupid. Leave things as they are with short-term rentals (among other issues). It’s a win-win situation for visitors and kamaainas alike. Maui is becoming more and more unaffordable. What happened to the Aloha Spirit? Let everyone enjoy the beauty of the islands and the people – not just the rich!

    And next time, vote for politicians who can look and think ahead and have brains! This is so frustrating.

    23
  19. We’re not an STR stay couple we’ve always resort vacationed on the islands. Thus far the projected loss of future STR’s on Maui hasn’t cause a spike in resort stay pricing.

    Fact is for resort stay travelers like ourselves it’s been an excellent time to book a trip to Maui.

    I’ve got 2 trips book for Grand Wailea one in May the other for October at thousands cheaper then last year loaded with perks both booked through Costco Travel.

    I don’t know what others expectations are for accommodation pricing, but I’ve witnessed some excellent pricing again thru Costco for condo to high end resort stay packages loaded with perks.

    Might want to check it out.

    2
  20. How can ocean front property be considered suitable for worker apartments? The average monthly rent would range from $8000 to over $12,000 Per Month due to the mortgages, association fees, and property taxes. What employee can afford those lease rates?

    15
  21. All STR’s across the entire State of Hawaii located in areas zoned Residential and AG need to be entirely banned.

    Hawaii has the highest out-migration per capita in the entire USA.

    Every occupation is leaving or not in-migrating due to speculative housing bubble in Hawaii.

    STR Bans are already in place or in process globally due to their destructive nature to local residential housing markets. Spain just announced they are working on a nationwide ban due to their housing crisis from speculative STR’s.

    3
    1. I’m starting to think that uncertainty may be the current strategy.

      This proposed phase-out was introduced last May and was supposed to be decided 1/1/25. That timeline may have been put on pause, because the recent and desired recession in tourism and demise of all of the associated businesses is happening without any efforts by the government. It’s like a miracle. Why go through lawsuits, etc. when STRs, economical tourism, etc. will implode all on their own? Uncertainty has ended up being a panacea.

      3
    1. Exactly. I was looking at places on the ocean. They’ve been STRs for 50 years. Yet they’re on the list.

      In the end, the property owners will win, but that doesn’t change the fear that my vacation plans are ruined.

      1
  22. Bill has repeatedly put it bluntly, saying, “All vacation rentals need to be banned from residential and AG zoning across the entire state of Hawaii. Vacation rentals should only be permitted in areas zoned resort.”

    I only wish that the powers that be had seen, many decades ago, that Hotels should have been banned and all local residents had been given the opportunity to be trained on how to welcome and house visitors to Hawaii, in their homes in residential areas and on farms, as long as the owners were residing on the same property.

    The money spent by visitors would stay in local hands, the visitors would have a more intimate look at life in Hawaii, fewer visitors would have been needed to support he local economy, and those who came would be more respectful and not be looking to be served mai-tais in a pool bar.

    9
      1. Perhaps ridiculous to you, Bill, but not to many B of H readers. It have received twice as many thumbs up for my comment as you have. I am sorry that you appear to hate tourists so much. I love respectful, curious, engaged tourists, often more than mainland transplants that think of themselves as “kama’aina” and want to corral more recent tourists inside the “visitor destination” pens, and I welcome them to come stay at our legal Kauai farmstay accommodations.

        5
        1. So it turns out you are just another housing mini hotel speculator, like most of the crying commenters on here. Thing aren’t going your way with your “investment”, complain.

          Nobody I know wants mini hotels in their neighborhood.

          1
  23. I suggest this article is inaccurate and misleading in a very important way. The Council has not adopted the Mayor’s STR ban of Minatoya listed properties. Nothing has actually been enacted. Based on vote counters following the Maui Council, advocates of the Mayor’s ban don’t have the votes.

    I think the community and tourists should put this episode in the rear view mirror, and proceed with business as usual.

    9
    1. They won for me though. We have odd year time shares on Kauai and like to include other islands when we go. This year was Maui. We’re coming for one week instead of two and staying away from West Maui.
      Maybe in ’29 if they’ve knocked this talk off.

  24. I’ve been following this issue closely, and what strikes me is how unclear everything still is. There’s been no real plan for what happens next, just vague promises that “something will be figured out.” The council keeps pushing back timelines, but visitors need to plan trips many months in advance, and property owners need to know if their livelihoods are about to disappear. This lack of clarity is already damaging confidence in Maui. People don’t want to book a trip if they don’t know for sure that their rental will exist by the time they arrive.

    19
    1. Exactly. I’m the first quoted commenter. I want a stress free vacation and lots of options, so I have my flights, rental cars, accomodations, and activities booked and paid for in November December for a trip in mid July to early August.
      The idea of having my stay at risk is unacceptable. I’m in the supposed window, so I’m opting to leave Maui for another island while they figur this out.

      1
    2. I keep thinking they want property owners to give up & switch to long term rental. If Maui Council keeps changing the rules and dates, keeping everything in flux, they will put an economic stranglehold on these owners.

  25. We’ve been visiting Maui for over 20 years and always stay in a vacation rental because it fits our family’s needs. Hotels are expensive, crowded, and don’t offer the flexibility we need for longer stays. If this ban moves forward, we might have to stop coming altogether. I understand the housing crisis, but taking away legally operating rentals isn’t going to magically make these still expensive homes affordable for local residents. There needs to be a smarter, more balanced solution instead of just removing thousands of visitor accommodations overnight.

    36
    1. Jim, there is never a good time to start.

      If you love Hawaii, please consider that 50% of what used to be “real” neighborhoods are now revolving doors of tourists, managed by off island hosts who don’t live here. Some of these “Hosts” have many units and are operating as businesses, they are not your “mon and pop” and, unlike hotels, they provide no job security or health insurance. This is destroying our housing market. It is ruining our culture, and increasingly driving our people away.

      Investors and realtors had years of free reign. It is time to change things now. Maui, and Hawai’i, culture is dying.

      Alex

      5
      1. Alex, in all of West Maui there are only 50 short term rentals with permits in residential zoned areas. Illegal ones are supposed to be fined $20,000/day. If illegal ones exist, why isn’t Maui County enforcing the law?

        4
        1. …and therein lies the Question of the Year. I guess it’s too much trouble to locate and go after the illegal STRs, although you would think that the neighbors that are being terrorized by all of those STRs permeating their neighborhoods would report them forthwith.

          The government knows where the legal ones are, much easier to go after them, I guess.

          …or maybe there really aren’t really many, if any, illegal rentals. Airbnb, VRBO, etc. require a TMK code (I.e. a permit number) in order to list on their platforms.

          But it’s high drama for Green to bemoan all of the illegal rentals owned by all of the greedy off-islanders, so he went with that.

    2. Jim, Nice to see someone else has sense here. We are 30 year visitors, two to three times year. Also lived north shore 70s 80s. We always rent a nice quiet condo in Kihei or Kailua Kona. These bureaurats know how to screw everything up. What a shame!

  26. Maui’s economy depends on visitors. If vacation rentals go away, people will just vacation somewhere else whether in Hawaii or not. Then what?

    20
    1. Actually, they will come to resort areas with hotels and str’s, and the str’s in residential zoning can go back to ….residents.

      1
      1. “Go back to” residents? Does it mean anything to you that most of those STRs were never meant for, owned, nor lived in by residents? Just curious if knowing that makes any difference to you. It doesn’t seem to.

        8
        1. Many were built for “residents” only in the context that they were sold to high income individuals as vacation homes.
          A place we’ve stayed on the BI is owned by a couple who stays 2-3 months a year and rents it out the rest of the time. It’s not coming available as residential housing regardless of any STR ban.

          This wishful thinking also ignores the 8th amendment. So either Hawaii leaves the union, coughs up billions in compensation, or gives up on the idea.

          3
        2. If a house is an STR in Residential zoning, it was built for an meant to be owned by Residents, not put up for profit as a mini hotel. Get it?

          1. But that’s where you’re wrong, which you would know if you did some research. Back in the 60’s and 70’s, developers built thousands of vacation homes and short-term rentals in the zonings being discussed. You can check the original building applications and final development docs in which it states the intended uses unequivocally.

            It can be argued that the government should have insisted that the zoning match the use in the 1960’s when they were built, but that’s not what happened. The units that were built were the furthest thing from apartments and were not used by residents, especially in the resort areas of Ka’anapali, Napili, Kihei, Wailea etc. where most of them are now located.

            You can continue to call these “residential areas” and the owners “greedy speculators”, but most who are interested will research the history and know the truth.

            4
          2. Incorrect. Many units in residential zoning were intended as STR. It was no secret. The County allowed StRs in Maui
            county in the R3 zone district by amendment to the zoning ordinance many years ago. Intent is clear and right was established.

            Then, opportunists lead by an off island lobbyist group after the fire, made headway by convincing the legislature to enable counties to prohibit STRs and Maui Mayor proposed the total ban. Although this received small support by some locals, the initiative is overwhelmingly opposed on Maui. Hence, the Mayor doesn’t have the votes on Council to pass his proposal.

            Good riddance to an ugly chapter. I don’t have ownership interest in an STR but support continuation of a welcome element in the community.

  27. Maui’s leadership keeps saying they want “high-value” visitors, but if they get rid of vacation rentals, they’re cutting out families who spend a ton on supporting local businesses.

    28
  28. It’s frustrating that people who followed the law, paid taxes, and invested in Maui are now being treated like they are criminals and did something wrong.

    41
  29. Seems like this isn’t just about housing. The hotel industry stands to gain a whole lot from this crackdown, and that raises questions.

    33
    1. It has nothing to do with housing. In 2021-2022 they tried to get rid of STRs on the grounds of “overtourism”. That didn’t stick, so they’re trying this new tactic, made convenient because of resident displacement due to the fires.

      It’s all about the hotels, who through recent years have been losing more and more of their share of visitors to STRs. The hotels have been trying to develop strategies to combat STRs since 2016.

      5
      1. Politicians are getting loaded with side money obviously. This is intuitively obvious to the most casual observer!

        How many millions of dollars have hotels in Hawaii spent on lobbyists? Not just Hawaii, yet nationwide. Simply politicians getting wealthy and using any situation (Lahaina fires, COVID, etc.) as avenues for the money to flow into their pockets.

        1
  30. We love staying in vacation rentals because they let us support local Maui businesses, cook meals, and enjoy a less touristy experience. Hotels just aren’t the same and we won’t be staying in them.

    23
  31. If Maui doesn’t want vacation rentals, fine—but they need a real plan including how to replace the jobs and tax revenue those rentals bring in.

    14
  32. This whole situation feels like it was rushed without thinking through the consequences. Housing is a crisis, but it sure looks like hurting tourism like this won’t solve it.

    13
    1. Politicians do not let any crisis escape the opportunity of getting more wealth out of the situation. This is what we are experiencing with this senate bill. If the politicians really cared, something would have been done decades ago. Now, they have the opportunity to financially benefit from a crisis. Politicians just love a good crisis.

      1
  33. So many unanswered questions. What happens to visitors who already booked if it gets enacted according to schedule? What happens to all the people employed by vacation rentals? The county needs to think thru this better and give real answers.

    10
    1. I believe the county could charge you $10/day and the county can also charge the owner of the STR $10/day. This is why I will not book anything else in Hawaii, just too risky.

  34. We have been waiting to book our annual Maui trip, but are holding off. Too much uncertainty about whether our West Maui rental will even be allowed to operate by the time we visit.

    6
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