Hawaii Lawmakers Take Aim at Vacation Rentals
4/24/2024
The Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire laid bare Maui’s already acute housing shortage and the large presence of vacation rentals in Lahaina. It reminded lawmakers that short-term rentals are an issue across Hawaii, prompting them to consider bills that would give counties the authority to phase them out. Short-term rental owners said a phase-out would violate their property rights and take their property without compensation, potentially pushing them into foreclosure. Some predicted legal challenges. A U.S. judge in 2022 ruled Honolulu violated state law when it attempted to prohibit rentals for less than 90 days. Alicia Humiston, president of the Rentals by Owner Awareness Association, notes that some areas in West Maui were designed for travelers and therefore lack schools and other infrastructure families need.
VRMA staff is currently monitoring and engaging on these proposals.
Associated Press (04/21/24) Audrey McAvoy
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