Hundreds Testify on Bill That Would Phase Out Half of Maui's Short-Term Rentals

7/3/2024

Hundreds of people signed up to testify at a Maui Planning Commission meeting last week to discuss a proposal by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen to phase out about half of Maui’s nearly 14,000 vacation rental units in apartment-zoned districts built before 1989, also known as the Minatoya List. Under the proposed legislation, vacation rental owners of the 7,000 affected units could either sell, convert to long-term rentals, or leave them vacant. Some owners, like Jason Gobey, said they have no plans to convert to a long-term rental. “I own a one-bedroom unit of Luana Kai in Kihei, 643 square feet with minimal storage, one parking space,” he said. “Really not suitable for long-term use, and I would have to rent for over $4,000 per month just to cover the costs. We are unable to become long-term landlords, and in our case, if the ordinance is passed, our unit will not be converted into an affordable, long-term rental. Instead, it will sit vacant around eight months a year.” Others, like Andrew Church, said all his family’s income comes from management and rentals of Minatoya List properties. “The passage of the county’s proposed legislation to ban short-term rentals will be financially catastrophic and a final blow for my family,” he said. “This proposed ban will bankrupt my family." Many residents say a better balance is needed, with the legislation representing a step in the right direction.

Hawaii Public Radio (06/28/24) Catherine Cluett Pactol