Honolulu Suspends Short-Term Rental Law to Aid Wildfire Survivors

8/16/2023

Honolulu on Friday suspended a law that mandates a 30–day minimum rental period on vacation rentals to accommodate Maui wildfire survivors in need of emergency housing. The suspension is effective immediately and will last through the end of this month, according to a press release. “We now know that there are countless Maui residents who will need places to stay in the coming weeks," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said. "I am counting on our local rental property owners to keep those individuals their top priority.” City ordinances have for years limited the use of residential properties as short-term rentals, except in parts of Waikiki and Ko Olina, but platforms have expanded the vacation rental market. An October 2022 ordinance gave the city the power to fine violators $10,000 per day, and the mayor said the city would impose fines and aggressively target illegal rentals.

Honolulu Civil Beat (HI) (08/14/23) Alex Eichenstein

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