Maui lawmakers passed legislation to significantly reduce vacation rentals to combat a housing shortage intensified by recent wildfires. The bill addresses a legal loophole allowing short-term rentals in certain apartment zones. The measure aims to eliminate a portion of the 21% of housing occupied by vacation rentals, potentially adding over 6,000 units to Maui's long-term housing supply. The bill, if approved by the council, is intended to prioritize housing for local residents, reflecting a commitment to community and future generations.
The Maui County Council's housing committee voted 6-3 to pass the bill, which would close a loophole that has allowed owners of condos in apartment zones to rent their units for days or weeks at a time instead of a minimum of 180 days.
Vacation rentals currently account for 21% of all housing in the county, which has a population of about 165,000 people.
An analysis by University of Hawaii economists predicted the measure would add 6,127 units to Maui's long-term housing stock, increasing supply by 13%.
Bill 9 is a critical first step in restoring our commitment to prioritize housing for local residents and securing a future where our keiki can live, grow, and thrive in the place they call home, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement.
Collection
[
|
...
]