Aloha Council Members
I am sharing my opinion on the proposed rent control. I am only in favor of a modest restriction that would tie existing tenant rental increase to an economic indicator similar to COLA. To restrict a landlord from increases to new tenants may have severe unintended consequences. If a landlords insurance for example rose and they carried that burden it would be unfair to restrict an increase once an existing tenant moved. I've seen the unintended consequences of landlords in other areas of the country not maintain their property as well.
The county should not create laws to fix what could be fixed and should have been years ago regarding inventory supply. Most if not all projects moving forward are rentals so if these can be streamlined it would be extremely helpful for Maui. I thank you for your work in moving these projects forward. I as a Realtor and Affordable Housing advocate but do not do property management. I do often work and hear from the public on rental issues. Most of my close friends rent properties. Thank you for your consideration of my testimony a d I am happy to speak with any of the council if you have further questions. Sincerely Gina Duncan R PB Fine Island Properties 808-250-9858 Mauigina@gmail.com
Aloha, my name is Peaches Cernal. I am a licensed realtor and a Maui Native, born and raised right here on Maui.
I’d like to express my strong support for rent stabilization in our community.
As a resident, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges many of us face in securing affordable housing. Before the age of 5, I lived in 4 homes. My eldest child once pointed out that by age 18, she had lived in 12 different homes. It never truly dawned on me, how many times I had moved my children, just trying to afford life on Maui.
This instability forces people out of their homes—it disrupts lives, affects mental health, puts an end to close-knit community we’ve worked so hard to build on Maui. It’s heartbreaking to see families, who have been here for generations, having to leave because they can no longer afford to stay.
Rent stabilization is not just about keeping housing affordable; it’s about our residents having some dignity and being able to provide a home for their life partners and children. So many are living in substandard situations with multiple families under one roof. Rent stabilization ensures that everyone can afford to live here and contribute to the local economy without working three jobs just to pay rent. When parents can stop working multiple jobs, that is when we will see our community thrive because our youth will have stronger foundations at home because parents are present.
I am a licensed realtor on Maui and I know there are concerns that rent control might discourage new development, but we can design policies that protect tenants while still allowing for growth. Other cities have done it successfully, and so can we.
In closing, I strongly urge you to support rent stabilization. It’s a vital step in ensuring that our community remains a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive. Mahalo for your time and for considering my perspective on this important issue.
Written Testimony in Support of Rent Stabilization Template
Rebecca Kauwe
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
September 2024
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for mandatory rent stabilization measures on all the Hawaiian Islands but starting with the island of Maui, especially those affected by the wildfire of Lahaina. As a resident of the Hawaiian community, I believe that rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that all families have access to safe and affordable housing. Stable housing is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of mental health, economic success, and overall well-being.
1. Introduction:
As a resident of an affordable complex in Hawaii, I believe in rent stabilization to keep housing costs for renters from rising too quickly and/or from eviction.
I am here to support rent stabilization as a necessary step toward protecting our community."
2. Personal Impact:
In recent years, I have seen friends and neighbors forced to leave their homes due to unaffordable rent hikes. Failure of obligation of a landlord to grievance procedure, Landlord’s illegal entry into tenants’ home, Landlord’s negligent to properly maintain and retain records, Landlord’s failure to document and/or record receipt of payment in a timely manner and more. This instability disrupts families, affects children's education, and creates stress that impacts mental health."
By stabilizing rent, we can ensure that people can remain in their homes, encouraging and promoting stability, safety and health physically, mentally, and emotionally, preserving the social fabric of our neighborhoods."
3. Broader Community Impact:
Rent stabilization would help maintain economic diversity in our city, allowing teachers, first responders, and service workers to live near their places of work.
While some argue that rent stablization could discourage new construction, evidence shows that well-designed policies can protect tenants without stifling development.
4. Conclusion: Written Testimony in Support of Rent Stabilization Template
As a tenant, a renter, an individual who is a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, cousin, a friend, and a co-worker and all those like me, I urge you to support rent stabilization.
I appreciate all your time and consideration to this critical and necessary issue.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Kauwe
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
Aloha Ka Kou Maui County Housing And Land Use Committee,
Dear Members All I can say is we desperately need to be able work AND live here in Mau’I. The housing market leases and rents are off the charts.!!? The “collective greed” of the property managers and home owners has left hundreds of people homeless and or they just left the island unable to afford to live here. Please help us keep our much needed nurses and doctors here where we desperately need them. My family will also be homeless when our lease runs out because the landlord wishes to increase the rent beyond what our Section 8 voucher can give. We aren’t lucky to have housing assistance - No one wants it.? Our HUD ceiling is $2300.00 monthly for a 3 bedroom, where none exists at this range right now. The rental rate is always above what Section 8 allows. Many homes are 4-5k monthly for the same home we’re in now. FEMA is making is attractive for homeowners and we need them to Wake Up.?? Please help us Thank You And Mahalo
Written Testimony in Support of Rent Stabilization
September14, 2024
Sharon Lund
Kihei, HI 96753
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
Please accept this letter as a petition from me to support the mandatory rent stabilization measures in Maui, Hawaii. I’ve been a renter of the Kihei community for the past ten years, and nine years in the 70’s. I believe that rent stabilization is critical to ensuring all families have access to safe and affordable housing. Stable housing is critical for the economic success, determinant of mental health and wellness.
Living on Maui I have witness friends and loved ones who have had to move off island (locals and haloes) because the cost of housing has gone up so high and so fast, since the wildfires. People from the mainland are rushing in to purchase homes which leaves us locals to stress attempting to find something. We don’t want to move off island. This is our home and our community. Please bring in rent control so we can protect our people and our community and land.
In the past ten years I’ve lived in two places. The first one I had to move out of because the sold the home. The one I’m living in now (for the past eight years) once again raised the rent $350 a month, even though we are in a moratorium. Therefore, I’m forced to move out and find another home, which I’ve been searching for the past three weeks. It seems every week the rents go up and up higher.
With rent stabilization we can be assured that people can remain in their homes, that perhaps many have lived in for decades or their entire life and they are now being forced out because of large price increases on their rent.
Rent stabilization will allow workers of all kinds to live near their place of work and allow for diversity in our community to survive and thrive.
For our community at large now and in the future, I urge you to support rent stabilization, for the betterment of all.
Thank you in advance for taking immediate steps to solve this problem and help to bring Maui back into balance.
Dear Members of the Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I hope this letter finds you well. This is my second letter regarding the critical issue of rent stabilization, and I must reiterate how horrid it is that overcharges and price gouging are even taking place in the wake of such devastation. This is a time for compassion, not exploitation. People must come before profit.
As a first-year Doctor of Chiropractic student, currently studying in California but originally from Oahu, I am deeply troubled by the events in Maui, particularly the displacement of families and the opportunistic attempts to capitalize on this tragedy by raising rents. The overcharge of rental prices is an insult to the resilience of the people who have already endured so much loss.
I continue to strongly support rent stabilization measures in Maui. This action is essential to ensuring that families have access to affordable, secure housing. Stable housing is not just a basic human right but also vital for mental health, economic stability, and community well-being.
My family and I have always been dedicated to community work in Oahu, and I have witnessed firsthand the strain that unaffordable rent places on families. Rent hikes disrupt lives, tear families apart, displace communities, and undermine the values of aloha that should be guiding all of us, especially in such trying times. This exploitation should never be allowed.
I’ve personally seen friends and neighbors forced to leave their homes because of unbearable rent increases. This practice not only destabilizes families but also affects children’s education, community health, and mental wellness. Rent stabilization is the only humane response—it will allow people to remain in their homes and preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods.
Maui’s future depends on maintaining its economic diversity, allowing essential workers such as teachers, first responders, and service providers to live where they work. Rent control policies, if well-constructed, will protect tenants while ensuring continued development in a balanced way. Prioritizing profits over the well-being of our community would be a grave injustice.
It is critical that, as we navigate these challenges, we align with the values of aloha and prioritize the needs of the people over financial gain. Investors with no ties to the land must not be allowed to dictate the future of Maui.
For the sake of our community and future generations, I implore you to stand with us and support rent stabilization.
Thank you for your continued attention to this urgent issue.
We are writing to express our strong support for mandatory rent stabilization measures in Hawaiʻi. As residents of Hawaiʻi, we believe that rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that all families have access to safe and affordable housing. Stable housing is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of mental health, economic success, and overall well-being.
Tagnawa is a non-profit organization that provides support for the Filipino survivors of the Maui wildfires. Rent has increased significantly since the fires and has already driven out a number of residents in search of socioeconomic stability (i.e., employment) and affordable housing. Having lost everything, many of the survivors who have remained on island have been scattered throughout Maui — many of which are living with extended family, acquaintances, or strangers. For those who were able to utilize their insurance, these survivors are placed into a one-year housing contract where the absurd renting rate has been noted to reach $30,000 per month for a family of six.
In our conversations with Filipino survivors, we noted a common concern regarding the uncertainty of their future housing conditions. Several Filipino fire survivors are immigrant families who work in the labor and hospitality industry and live within multigenerational households. Compounded by the growing issue of low wages, the struggle to support a household — with the loss of one’s home (and possible employment) due to the fires, only further induces strain on the survivors’ mental and physical well-being.
For the sake of our community’s future, we urge you to support rent stabilization. By stabilizing rent, we can support our local community and encourage retention numbers. The fires have exacerbated socioeconomic issues not only within Maui County but throughout the state. Left unchecked, these issues can metastasize to affect other aspects of living in Hawaiʻi — including the overall conditions of living. These fires have further highlighted the urgency of addressing and resolving the issue of affordable housing, low wages, and loss of our population — and by extension, our culture. Supporting rent stabilization is just one way to help our community, but it is a place from which we can start to make a better change. Thank you for your consideration.
Aloha,
I am writing in support of stabilizing rents for the County of Maui. As a 36-year resident of Maui and specifically Haiku, rent stabilization is a necessity. A former homeowner now renting, I house share with other working professionals. 34 years ago, a room rental was $400., in 2024, room rentals are upwards of $1400. Those on a budget can simply not afford paying $2,000.+ for a monthly one bedroom rental. Add in transportation fees, food prices, and utilities, most cannot afford these fees and remain stably housed.
The working/struggling individuals and families of Maui need access to safe, affordable and stable housing. Housing is healthcare and a critical determinant of mental health, economic success and overall well-being. Those housed have access to food preparation, utilities and safety. Access to medical care is also greatly impacted by being housed.
For Maui’s future and its citizens, we support rent stabilization. Maui has always had a dichotomy within its infrastructure. Those working and struggling to live on Maui are often those employed in Maui’s tourism industry. In addition to rent, Maui’s infrastructure also needs attention. Road maintenance, utilities, etc. are all impacted by the health and stability of its entirety.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Jill Bauss
Jennifer Bauer
751 Oro Dam Blvd W. #8
Oroville, CA 95965
Maui County Housing & Land Use Committee,
Aloha, I am writing in support of rent stabalization and support of the families of Maui County, not the rich people taking up space with a second, third, fourth home that is rarely occupied, while families of four are living in a sedan parked at the beach. I lived for 26 years on Maui, the last seven were in a van, I camped next to a family of four at a park. The kids were doing homework at the beach, both parents were working in the service industry, and they could not afford a home. I felt guilty because I had a whole van. The situation I describe is from 2018 and earlier, I cannot imagine how bad it is now with refugees from Lahaina Fire still unhoused and being bullied now for being homeless. It is appalling how you are not taking care of the working class who are the ones to keep the hotels and restaurants in operation. Hawaii Nei has room to house the unhomed. There are resources available to build homes. There are large unoccupied buildings that could be housing people until better solutions are found. Rent stabalizing is crucial. People working and raising families need to have safe affordable housing. Kanaka Maoli need more Hawaiian Housing, there are so many acres of unused lands, that have water. Maui County IS NO! KA! OI! It is not oprah's playground. You allow The Grand Wailea to have the only water slide, and deprive ALL OF MAUI LOCAL KIDS! a water park.. You are responsible for unhousing the elderly and disabled who cannot afford your unreasonable rent costs. YOU MURDERED ALOHA! YOU NEED TO BEHAVE WITH PONO BEHAVIOR! This is not a request, this is pointing out that you are the opposite of Aloha and you can choose your return to aloha living or you can choose to feed the insatiable beast that will devour you in the end.. BE PONO OR DO NOT BE.....
Kenna Reed
Help Maui Rise
Lahaina, HI 96761
09/10/24
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I am writing on behalf of Help Maui Rise, a grassroots organization dedicated to providing direct aid to families displaced by the 2023 wildfires. We are reaching out to express our strong support for the implementation of rent stabilization measures in Maui County. In light of the devastating fires and the subsequent housing crisis, rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that displaced families and long-term residents alike have access to stable, affordable housing.
Hawai'i has the highest housing costs in the U.S., and the situation on Maui is even more urgent following the destruction caused by the wildfires. The displacement of 4,500 households, with 80-87% being pre-fire renters, highlights the immediate need for affordable rental housing. These families are already struggling to rebuild their lives, and unchecked rent increases would only worsen their situation. The expiration of FEMA’s Direct Leasing Program in February 2025, along with insurance assistance typically running out within a year, threatens to leave over 1,800 households without housing assistance. With only 1,209 new housing units currently in development, the demand far outpaces supply, making rent stabilization critical to prevent further displacement.
Rent stabilization can help stabilize communities by ensuring that long-time residents, including those displaced by the fires, can afford to stay on the island. With 32% of homes on Maui owned by out-of-state residents, local families are being priced out of their homes. Over the past year alone, an estimated 4,000 people have already left Maui due to rising costs. Without immediate action, more families will be forced to leave, eroding the social fabric of our community and undermining recovery efforts.
Rent stabilization would help protect against inflation by tying annual rent increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that rents remain fair and predictable. This would prevent sudden, unaffordable hikes while still allowing landlords to make necessary repairs and investments. Moreover, the mandatory registration of rental properties would provide greater transparency and help the county track housing availability, ensuring that rent stabilization policies are enforced fairly and consistently.
As we work to support displaced families through direct aid, we see firsthand how the lack of stable housing negatively impacts mental health, job security, and overall well-being. In the aftermath of the fires, Maui has already lost 5,000 jobs. Stabilizing rent would not only ease the financial burden on families affected by the fires but also support economic recovery by ensuring that essential workers, like teachers and service workers, can continue to live and work here.
Rent stabilization is not just a response to the current crisis; it is an essential step toward ensuring long-term affordability and stability in our community. While some may argue that rent control could stifle new development, we believe that well-designed policies can balance the needs of tenants and landlords without discouraging growth.
We urge you to support rent stabilization measures to protect Maui’s residents and ensure that the island remains a place where families can thrive.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
Kenna Reed
Help Maui Rise
Lahaina, HI 96761
09/10/24
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I am writing on behalf of Help Maui Rise, a grassroots organization dedicated to providing direct aid to families displaced by the 2023 wildfires. We are reaching out to express our strong support for the implementation of rent stabilization measures in Maui County. In light of the devastating fires and the subsequent housing crisis, rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that displaced families and long-term residents alike have access to stable, affordable housing.
Hawai'i has the highest housing costs in the U.S., and the situation on Maui is even more urgent following the destruction caused by the wildfires. The displacement of 4,500 households, with 80-87% being pre-fire renters, highlights the immediate need for affordable rental housing. These families are already struggling to rebuild their lives, and unchecked rent increases would only worsen their situation. The expiration of FEMA’s Direct Leasing Program in February 2025, along with insurance assistance typically running out within a year, threatens to leave over 1,800 households without housing assistance. With only 1,209 new housing units currently in development, the demand far outpaces supply, making rent stabilization critical to prevent further displacement.
Rent stabilization can help stabilize communities by ensuring that long-time residents, including those displaced by the fires, can afford to stay on the island. With 32% of homes on Maui owned by out-of-state residents, local families are being priced out of their homes. Over the past year alone, an estimated 4,000 people have already left Maui due to rising costs. Without immediate action, more families will be forced to leave, eroding the social fabric of our community and undermining recovery efforts.
Rent stabilization would help protect against inflation by tying annual rent increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that rents remain fair and predictable. This would prevent sudden, unaffordable hikes while still allowing landlords to make necessary repairs and investments. Moreover, the mandatory registration of rental properties would provide greater transparency and help the county track housing availability, ensuring that rent stabilization policies are enforced fairly and consistently.
As we work to support displaced families through direct aid, we see firsthand how the lack of stable housing negatively impacts mental health, job security, and overall well-being. In the aftermath of the fires, Maui has already lost 5,000 jobs. Stabilizing rent would not only ease the financial burden on families affected by the fires but also support economic recovery by ensuring that essential workers, like teachers and service workers, can continue to live and work here.
Rent stabilization is not just a response to the current crisis; it is an essential step toward ensuring long-term affordability and stability in our community. While some may argue that rent control could stifle new development, we believe that well-designed policies can balance the needs of tenants and landlords without discouraging growth.
We urge you to support rent stabilization measures to protect Maui’s residents and ensure that the island remains a place where families can thrive.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
Aloha Council Members
I am sharing my opinion on the proposed rent control. I am only in favor of a modest restriction that would tie existing tenant rental increase to an economic indicator similar to COLA. To restrict a landlord from increases to new tenants may have severe unintended consequences. If a landlords insurance for example rose and they carried that burden it would be unfair to restrict an increase once an existing tenant moved. I've seen the unintended consequences of landlords in other areas of the country not maintain their property as well.
The county should not create laws to fix what could be fixed and should have been years ago regarding inventory supply. Most if not all projects moving forward are rentals so if these can be streamlined it would be extremely helpful for Maui. I thank you for your work in moving these projects forward. I as a Realtor and Affordable Housing advocate but do not do property management. I do often work and hear from the public on rental issues. Most of my close friends rent properties. Thank you for your consideration of my testimony a d I am happy to speak with any of the council if you have further questions. Sincerely Gina Duncan R PB Fine Island Properties 808-250-9858 Mauigina@gmail.com
Aloha, my name is Peaches Cernal. I am a licensed realtor and a Maui Native, born and raised right here on Maui.
I’d like to express my strong support for rent stabilization in our community.
As a resident, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges many of us face in securing affordable housing. Before the age of 5, I lived in 4 homes. My eldest child once pointed out that by age 18, she had lived in 12 different homes. It never truly dawned on me, how many times I had moved my children, just trying to afford life on Maui.
This instability forces people out of their homes—it disrupts lives, affects mental health, puts an end to close-knit community we’ve worked so hard to build on Maui. It’s heartbreaking to see families, who have been here for generations, having to leave because they can no longer afford to stay.
Rent stabilization is not just about keeping housing affordable; it’s about our residents having some dignity and being able to provide a home for their life partners and children. So many are living in substandard situations with multiple families under one roof. Rent stabilization ensures that everyone can afford to live here and contribute to the local economy without working three jobs just to pay rent. When parents can stop working multiple jobs, that is when we will see our community thrive because our youth will have stronger foundations at home because parents are present.
I am a licensed realtor on Maui and I know there are concerns that rent control might discourage new development, but we can design policies that protect tenants while still allowing for growth. Other cities have done it successfully, and so can we.
In closing, I strongly urge you to support rent stabilization. It’s a vital step in ensuring that our community remains a place where everyone can afford to live and thrive. Mahalo for your time and for considering my perspective on this important issue.
Written Testimony in Support of Rent Stabilization Template
Rebecca Kauwe
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
September 2024
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee, I am writing to express my strong support for mandatory rent stabilization measures on all the Hawaiian Islands but starting with the island of Maui, especially those affected by the wildfire of Lahaina. As a resident of the Hawaiian community, I believe that rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that all families have access to safe and affordable housing. Stable housing is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of mental health, economic success, and overall well-being.
1. Introduction:
As a resident of an affordable complex in Hawaii, I believe in rent stabilization to keep housing costs for renters from rising too quickly and/or from eviction.
I am here to support rent stabilization as a necessary step toward protecting our community."
2. Personal Impact:
In recent years, I have seen friends and neighbors forced to leave their homes due to unaffordable rent hikes. Failure of obligation of a landlord to grievance procedure, Landlord’s illegal entry into tenants’ home, Landlord’s negligent to properly maintain and retain records, Landlord’s failure to document and/or record receipt of payment in a timely manner and more. This instability disrupts families, affects children's education, and creates stress that impacts mental health."
By stabilizing rent, we can ensure that people can remain in their homes, encouraging and promoting stability, safety and health physically, mentally, and emotionally, preserving the social fabric of our neighborhoods."
3. Broader Community Impact:
Rent stabilization would help maintain economic diversity in our city, allowing teachers, first responders, and service workers to live near their places of work.
While some argue that rent stablization could discourage new construction, evidence shows that well-designed policies can protect tenants without stifling development.
4. Conclusion: Written Testimony in Support of Rent Stabilization Template
As a tenant, a renter, an individual who is a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, cousin, a friend, and a co-worker and all those like me, I urge you to support rent stabilization.
I appreciate all your time and consideration to this critical and necessary issue.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Kauwe
Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
Ms. Momi Ventures
Kihei, Hi 96753
9/14/2024
Aloha Ka Kou Maui County Housing And Land Use Committee,
Dear Members All I can say is we desperately need to be able work AND live here in Mau’I. The housing market leases and rents are off the charts.!!? The “collective greed” of the property managers and home owners has left hundreds of people homeless and or they just left the island unable to afford to live here. Please help us keep our much needed nurses and doctors here where we desperately need them. My family will also be homeless when our lease runs out because the landlord wishes to increase the rent beyond what our Section 8 voucher can give. We aren’t lucky to have housing assistance - No one wants it.? Our HUD ceiling is $2300.00 monthly for a 3 bedroom, where none exists at this range right now. The rental rate is always above what Section 8 allows. Many homes are 4-5k monthly for the same home we’re in now. FEMA is making is attractive for homeowners and we need them to Wake Up.?? Please help us Thank You And Mahalo
Written Testimony in Support of Rent Stabilization
September14, 2024
Sharon Lund
Kihei, HI 96753
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
Please accept this letter as a petition from me to support the mandatory rent stabilization measures in Maui, Hawaii. I’ve been a renter of the Kihei community for the past ten years, and nine years in the 70’s. I believe that rent stabilization is critical to ensuring all families have access to safe and affordable housing. Stable housing is critical for the economic success, determinant of mental health and wellness.
Living on Maui I have witness friends and loved ones who have had to move off island (locals and haloes) because the cost of housing has gone up so high and so fast, since the wildfires. People from the mainland are rushing in to purchase homes which leaves us locals to stress attempting to find something. We don’t want to move off island. This is our home and our community. Please bring in rent control so we can protect our people and our community and land.
In the past ten years I’ve lived in two places. The first one I had to move out of because the sold the home. The one I’m living in now (for the past eight years) once again raised the rent $350 a month, even though we are in a moratorium. Therefore, I’m forced to move out and find another home, which I’ve been searching for the past three weeks. It seems every week the rents go up and up higher.
With rent stabilization we can be assured that people can remain in their homes, that perhaps many have lived in for decades or their entire life and they are now being forced out because of large price increases on their rent.
Rent stabilization will allow workers of all kinds to live near their place of work and allow for diversity in our community to survive and thrive.
For our community at large now and in the future, I urge you to support rent stabilization, for the betterment of all.
Thank you in advance for taking immediate steps to solve this problem and help to bring Maui back into balance.
With Deep Appreciation,
Sharon Lund
Sharon
Noah Humphrey
Honolulu, HI 96821
September 14, 2024
Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee
Dear Members of the Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I hope this letter finds you well. This is my second letter regarding the critical issue of rent stabilization, and I must reiterate how horrid it is that overcharges and price gouging are even taking place in the wake of such devastation. This is a time for compassion, not exploitation. People must come before profit.
As a first-year Doctor of Chiropractic student, currently studying in California but originally from Oahu, I am deeply troubled by the events in Maui, particularly the displacement of families and the opportunistic attempts to capitalize on this tragedy by raising rents. The overcharge of rental prices is an insult to the resilience of the people who have already endured so much loss.
I continue to strongly support rent stabilization measures in Maui. This action is essential to ensuring that families have access to affordable, secure housing. Stable housing is not just a basic human right but also vital for mental health, economic stability, and community well-being.
My family and I have always been dedicated to community work in Oahu, and I have witnessed firsthand the strain that unaffordable rent places on families. Rent hikes disrupt lives, tear families apart, displace communities, and undermine the values of aloha that should be guiding all of us, especially in such trying times. This exploitation should never be allowed.
I’ve personally seen friends and neighbors forced to leave their homes because of unbearable rent increases. This practice not only destabilizes families but also affects children’s education, community health, and mental wellness. Rent stabilization is the only humane response—it will allow people to remain in their homes and preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods.
Maui’s future depends on maintaining its economic diversity, allowing essential workers such as teachers, first responders, and service providers to live where they work. Rent control policies, if well-constructed, will protect tenants while ensuring continued development in a balanced way. Prioritizing profits over the well-being of our community would be a grave injustice.
It is critical that, as we navigate these challenges, we align with the values of aloha and prioritize the needs of the people over financial gain. Investors with no ties to the land must not be allowed to dictate the future of Maui.
For the sake of our community and future generations, I implore you to stand with us and support rent stabilization.
Thank you for your continued attention to this urgent issue.
Sincerely,
Noah Humphrey
September 4, 2024
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
We are writing to express our strong support for mandatory rent stabilization measures in Hawaiʻi. As residents of Hawaiʻi, we believe that rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that all families have access to safe and affordable housing. Stable housing is not only a basic human right but also a critical determinant of mental health, economic success, and overall well-being.
Tagnawa is a non-profit organization that provides support for the Filipino survivors of the Maui wildfires. Rent has increased significantly since the fires and has already driven out a number of residents in search of socioeconomic stability (i.e., employment) and affordable housing. Having lost everything, many of the survivors who have remained on island have been scattered throughout Maui — many of which are living with extended family, acquaintances, or strangers. For those who were able to utilize their insurance, these survivors are placed into a one-year housing contract where the absurd renting rate has been noted to reach $30,000 per month for a family of six.
In our conversations with Filipino survivors, we noted a common concern regarding the uncertainty of their future housing conditions. Several Filipino fire survivors are immigrant families who work in the labor and hospitality industry and live within multigenerational households. Compounded by the growing issue of low wages, the struggle to support a household — with the loss of one’s home (and possible employment) due to the fires, only further induces strain on the survivors’ mental and physical well-being.
For the sake of our community’s future, we urge you to support rent stabilization. By stabilizing rent, we can support our local community and encourage retention numbers. The fires have exacerbated socioeconomic issues not only within Maui County but throughout the state. Left unchecked, these issues can metastasize to affect other aspects of living in Hawaiʻi — including the overall conditions of living. These fires have further highlighted the urgency of addressing and resolving the issue of affordable housing, low wages, and loss of our population — and by extension, our culture. Supporting rent stabilization is just one way to help our community, but it is a place from which we can start to make a better change. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tagnawa
Aloha,
I am writing in support of stabilizing rents for the County of Maui. As a 36-year resident of Maui and specifically Haiku, rent stabilization is a necessity. A former homeowner now renting, I house share with other working professionals. 34 years ago, a room rental was $400., in 2024, room rentals are upwards of $1400. Those on a budget can simply not afford paying $2,000.+ for a monthly one bedroom rental. Add in transportation fees, food prices, and utilities, most cannot afford these fees and remain stably housed.
The working/struggling individuals and families of Maui need access to safe, affordable and stable housing. Housing is healthcare and a critical determinant of mental health, economic success and overall well-being. Those housed have access to food preparation, utilities and safety. Access to medical care is also greatly impacted by being housed.
For Maui’s future and its citizens, we support rent stabilization. Maui has always had a dichotomy within its infrastructure. Those working and struggling to live on Maui are often those employed in Maui’s tourism industry. In addition to rent, Maui’s infrastructure also needs attention. Road maintenance, utilities, etc. are all impacted by the health and stability of its entirety.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Jill Bauss
Jennifer Bauer
751 Oro Dam Blvd W. #8
Oroville, CA 95965
Maui County Housing & Land Use Committee,
Aloha, I am writing in support of rent stabalization and support of the families of Maui County, not the rich people taking up space with a second, third, fourth home that is rarely occupied, while families of four are living in a sedan parked at the beach. I lived for 26 years on Maui, the last seven were in a van, I camped next to a family of four at a park. The kids were doing homework at the beach, both parents were working in the service industry, and they could not afford a home. I felt guilty because I had a whole van. The situation I describe is from 2018 and earlier, I cannot imagine how bad it is now with refugees from Lahaina Fire still unhoused and being bullied now for being homeless. It is appalling how you are not taking care of the working class who are the ones to keep the hotels and restaurants in operation. Hawaii Nei has room to house the unhomed. There are resources available to build homes. There are large unoccupied buildings that could be housing people until better solutions are found. Rent stabalizing is crucial. People working and raising families need to have safe affordable housing. Kanaka Maoli need more Hawaiian Housing, there are so many acres of unused lands, that have water. Maui County IS NO! KA! OI! It is not oprah's playground. You allow The Grand Wailea to have the only water slide, and deprive ALL OF MAUI LOCAL KIDS! a water park.. You are responsible for unhousing the elderly and disabled who cannot afford your unreasonable rent costs. YOU MURDERED ALOHA! YOU NEED TO BEHAVE WITH PONO BEHAVIOR! This is not a request, this is pointing out that you are the opposite of Aloha and you can choose your return to aloha living or you can choose to feed the insatiable beast that will devour you in the end.. BE PONO OR DO NOT BE.....
Kenna Reed
Help Maui Rise
Lahaina, HI 96761
09/10/24
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I am writing on behalf of Help Maui Rise, a grassroots organization dedicated to providing direct aid to families displaced by the 2023 wildfires. We are reaching out to express our strong support for the implementation of rent stabilization measures in Maui County. In light of the devastating fires and the subsequent housing crisis, rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that displaced families and long-term residents alike have access to stable, affordable housing.
Hawai'i has the highest housing costs in the U.S., and the situation on Maui is even more urgent following the destruction caused by the wildfires. The displacement of 4,500 households, with 80-87% being pre-fire renters, highlights the immediate need for affordable rental housing. These families are already struggling to rebuild their lives, and unchecked rent increases would only worsen their situation. The expiration of FEMA’s Direct Leasing Program in February 2025, along with insurance assistance typically running out within a year, threatens to leave over 1,800 households without housing assistance. With only 1,209 new housing units currently in development, the demand far outpaces supply, making rent stabilization critical to prevent further displacement.
Rent stabilization can help stabilize communities by ensuring that long-time residents, including those displaced by the fires, can afford to stay on the island. With 32% of homes on Maui owned by out-of-state residents, local families are being priced out of their homes. Over the past year alone, an estimated 4,000 people have already left Maui due to rising costs. Without immediate action, more families will be forced to leave, eroding the social fabric of our community and undermining recovery efforts.
Rent stabilization would help protect against inflation by tying annual rent increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that rents remain fair and predictable. This would prevent sudden, unaffordable hikes while still allowing landlords to make necessary repairs and investments. Moreover, the mandatory registration of rental properties would provide greater transparency and help the county track housing availability, ensuring that rent stabilization policies are enforced fairly and consistently.
As we work to support displaced families through direct aid, we see firsthand how the lack of stable housing negatively impacts mental health, job security, and overall well-being. In the aftermath of the fires, Maui has already lost 5,000 jobs. Stabilizing rent would not only ease the financial burden on families affected by the fires but also support economic recovery by ensuring that essential workers, like teachers and service workers, can continue to live and work here.
Rent stabilization is not just a response to the current crisis; it is an essential step toward ensuring long-term affordability and stability in our community. While some may argue that rent control could stifle new development, we believe that well-designed policies can balance the needs of tenants and landlords without discouraging growth.
We urge you to support rent stabilization measures to protect Maui’s residents and ensure that the island remains a place where families can thrive.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Kenna Reed
Founder, Help Maui Rise
Kenna Reed
Help Maui Rise
Lahaina, HI 96761
09/10/24
Dear Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I am writing on behalf of Help Maui Rise, a grassroots organization dedicated to providing direct aid to families displaced by the 2023 wildfires. We are reaching out to express our strong support for the implementation of rent stabilization measures in Maui County. In light of the devastating fires and the subsequent housing crisis, rent stabilization is essential to ensuring that displaced families and long-term residents alike have access to stable, affordable housing.
Hawai'i has the highest housing costs in the U.S., and the situation on Maui is even more urgent following the destruction caused by the wildfires. The displacement of 4,500 households, with 80-87% being pre-fire renters, highlights the immediate need for affordable rental housing. These families are already struggling to rebuild their lives, and unchecked rent increases would only worsen their situation. The expiration of FEMA’s Direct Leasing Program in February 2025, along with insurance assistance typically running out within a year, threatens to leave over 1,800 households without housing assistance. With only 1,209 new housing units currently in development, the demand far outpaces supply, making rent stabilization critical to prevent further displacement.
Rent stabilization can help stabilize communities by ensuring that long-time residents, including those displaced by the fires, can afford to stay on the island. With 32% of homes on Maui owned by out-of-state residents, local families are being priced out of their homes. Over the past year alone, an estimated 4,000 people have already left Maui due to rising costs. Without immediate action, more families will be forced to leave, eroding the social fabric of our community and undermining recovery efforts.
Rent stabilization would help protect against inflation by tying annual rent increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring that rents remain fair and predictable. This would prevent sudden, unaffordable hikes while still allowing landlords to make necessary repairs and investments. Moreover, the mandatory registration of rental properties would provide greater transparency and help the county track housing availability, ensuring that rent stabilization policies are enforced fairly and consistently.
As we work to support displaced families through direct aid, we see firsthand how the lack of stable housing negatively impacts mental health, job security, and overall well-being. In the aftermath of the fires, Maui has already lost 5,000 jobs. Stabilizing rent would not only ease the financial burden on families affected by the fires but also support economic recovery by ensuring that essential workers, like teachers and service workers, can continue to live and work here.
Rent stabilization is not just a response to the current crisis; it is an essential step toward ensuring long-term affordability and stability in our community. While some may argue that rent control could stifle new development, we believe that well-designed policies can balance the needs of tenants and landlords without discouraging growth.
We urge you to support rent stabilization measures to protect Maui’s residents and ensure that the island remains a place where families can thrive.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Kenna Reed
Founder, Help Maui Rise