Housing Land Use Committee,
Aloha Chair and Members of the Maui County Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for Councilmember Tamara Paltin’s amendment to Bill 105, which would exclude Transient Vacation Rentals (TVRs) from resuming operations under nonconforming use provisions, particularly in areas affected by disaster.
In the aftermath of the Lahaina fires, our community has made it clear that we do not want TVRs in our neighborhoods. This message has been consistent throughout our recovery, and it’s crucial that the County listens. In the LTRP feedback presentation, eliminating short-term vacation rentals in neighborhoods was one of the top five concerns raised by residents. Housing needs, limiting oversized homes, and removing TVRs. We encourage you to listen to our community and act on these concerns. were repeatedly highlighted as urgent priorities to address West Maui's housing shortage.
Rebuilding TVRs would not only divert critical resources but also directly compete with the rebuilding of long-term housing. Workers like contractors and electricians are already in short supply, and restoring short-term rental properties will further delay the construction of affordable homes. Additionally, water allocations are already strained, and prioritizing TVRs would make it harder to meet the needs of local families.
TVRs have contributed to the displacement of local families and the rising unaffordability of housing in West Maui. By excluding them from nonconforming use, we can prioritize long-term housing and the recovery of our community. This amendment reflects the needs of the families who have lost everything.
I urge you to pass this amendment to protect the future of our neighborhoods and ensure our recovery prioritizes local residents.
Mahalo
Eleonore Koury
eleonore@fastmail.com
938 nenelea
Makawao, Hawaii 96768
My name is Denver Coon, and I represent Trilogy Excursions, a family-run business that has served Lahaina for over 50 years. We strongly support Bill No. 105 (2024), which amends Section 19.500.110 to address nonconforming structures and uses affected by disasters. This ordinance is essential for rebuilding Lahaina, both for the community and the economic vitality it brings.
Thirty-two of our employees lost their homes in the recent disaster, and many are eager to return and rebuild their lives in Lahaina. By allowing nonconforming structures to be restored, this bill offers a pathway for these families and businesses to recover without the burden of overly restrictive regulations.
Getting businesses like ours up and running again is crucial for the entire recovery process. Tourism is the lifeblood of Lahaina, and our operations bring much-needed jobs and economic activity to the area. Rebuilding homes goes hand-in-hand with restoring businesses, creating a cycle of support that helps the entire community recover faster. This bill enables us to contribute fully to that process by ensuring that we can continue to serve both locals and visitors.
The flexibility in the bill—such as reasonable timelines and the ability to restore historic structures—helps preserve Lahaina’s unique character while enabling a faster recovery. It allows us to maintain the cultural heart of our town, which is critical for our community’s spirit and the local economy.
Lahaina has always been more than just a place; it is a community that we are proud to be a part of, and we want to see it thrive once again. By supporting this bill, you are not only helping families like those of our 32 displaced employees find their way back home, but you are also fostering a sense of hope and resilience in Lahaina’s recovery process.
My name is Heather Napela Williams. I am the great granddaughter of Lucy Napela Kaukau Furtado and Antonio Dias Furtado. Grandma Lucy was a teacher for years at Kamehameha III Elementary. Vuvu (my great grandfather) was a butcher and then became the Lahaina Postmaster. Over 100 years ago, they bought buildings at 693-711 Front Street and 754 Front Street. These buildings were tragically destroyed in the Lahaina fires of August 2023.
I am writing today in support of Bill 105. Thank you to the administration and planning department for introducing an essential bill and to Chair Kama for hearing it.
Our family has so many cherished memories of Lahaina, and we treasure these properties. They not only provide critical financial income for our kupuna, but they have kept our ohana close as we have worked together over the years to maintain them. As a Kanaka Maoli family, we understand the history of this community and deeply respect the land and sea. We strongly believe we can rebuild in a way that honors our culture while being economically responsible. This bill allows us to rebuild Front Street with sensitivity to the cultural and historical significance of the area. It provides the opportunity to restore the character of Lahaina in a way that respects its heritage while also supporting economic growth. This balance is key to a sustainable future for our community.
We are simply trying to rebuild what we lost in the devastating Lahaina fires. Bill 105 would be a huge help in doing this. My ohana strongly supports Bill 105 and we hope that you will too.
Mahalo nunui for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Heather Napela Williams along with my ohana:
Maile and Owen Williams
Nathan Punahele William Smith
Elijah Kaliko Carter Smith
I support Council Member Paltin's amendment to bill 105.
During community engagement Lahaina and West Maui Community members shared the vision that Lahaina should first feel like home for residents, and second welcome visitors.
In the last 20 years as platforms like Airbnb and VRBO made it easier to run a vacation rental from a distance, owners of homes and apartments in the historic district exploited loop holes and transitioned long term housing to short term rentals. I watched friends lose housing in Lahaina as owners realized how easy and profitable vacation rentals were. This was changing the character of Lahaina, making visitors, rather than residents, the priority.
Please support Member Paltin's amendment to help Lahaina rebuild as a home for locals (which will in turn be a more unique experience for visitors).
Mahalo for your time,
Karen Comcowich
Lahaina, HI
Aloha Chair Kama and members of the committee, mahalo/thank you for hearing my
testimony.
My name is Susan Kean and my family owns a few buildings across from the Banyan tree. I am writing in strong support of Bill 105. Thank you to the administration and planning department for introducing this essential bill and to Chair Kama for hearing it.
Since the horrific fires last year we have been paying the mortgages on these very expensive properties. Our hearts were broken for all the families who lost their loved ones and their homes and their livelihoods. We truly lost the heart of Maui. Our tenants are asking when can we rebuild and get back to our jobs? We lost Paia Fish Market which was a gathering place beloved by the locals and guests and we would often enjoy listening to the conversations amongst them sharing the joys and love for Lahaina.. I do not know how long our families can continue to pay these high mortgages with no plan for the future. The lots are cleared and ready to build. My husband passed away soon after the fires and the financial and emotional burden of financially carrying these properties while we wait for some plan and permission to rebuild is taking a serious toll on our children’s families. My husband’s dream was to be the first to rebuild on Front Street to become a beacon of hope for the recovery of the town, alongside the banyan tree. I live on the west side and it is easy to feel the desperation of the community here. People are waiting, many are leaving, due to inactivity. They want to be proactive and move forward and everyone feels frustrated by the lack of movement. I believe this bill will help the owners to get to rebuilding, the business proprietors can begin to make plans and the community can get back their town and their self respect by providing for their families, and taking part in recovering a healthy, financially stable community once again. I am positive that our town can rebuild in a way that honors the culture and historical significance and the wonderful CHARACTER of Lahaina and also build in a more resilient manner. The balance is so important to the economic recovery for Lahaina and for Maui. This bill will do a lot to move us forward.
Mahalo for your time and hearing my testimony.
I strongly support bill 105 and encourage all of you to consider supporting as well.
Aloha and Mahalo for taking the time to hear from our community.
I am in support of this bill because it will get us one step closer to rebuilding lahaina and Front Street in particular. The character and charm of our little town on the west side can be brought back to life. The historic character of the buildings can be rebuilt. Modern Engineering and Architectual design can deliver amazing structures. Structures that will be safer, more resilient to mother nature, and still individual in character.
Lahaina must be allowed to be rebuilt as close to "the way it was" as possible. ANY legal steps that can allow our community members to rebuild what we had... is a welcome step forward. Do not let the negativity destroy our potential. We can rebuild Lahaina in a way that not only honors our past, respects our heritage, allows for the economic and tax generating power house to return, and maintains the unique character and charm.
Please SUPPORT BILL 105 and Please EXTEND THE REBUILDING Period as long as possible. Give our property owners the time and flexibility to rebuild Lahaina.... just like she was.... Only Better.
We support Council Member Paltin's attempt to bring some order to the out of control TVR situation. We do not understand why it is better to "Share the aloha spirit" with visitors while resident housing options continue to shrink. One suggestion we would like to propose is to consider increasing the number of legal vacation rental licenses as we eliminate the unregulated and out-of-control TVR's. We understand the need for competition to hotels, however the way we have had our neighborhoods ruined by the constant flow of "Vacationers" has only improved the bank accounts of the 94% of foreign investors that own the TVR's. Perhaps an additional exception for actual Maui residents could be considered. We do know the Maui Vacation Rental Association is very worried. And that in itself gives us hope for change. Restore neighborhoods and increase long term rentals, or even return to residential ownership. No matter how small the number, any increase is better than seeing more and more TVR's pop up and force out residents.
I am an owner at 161 Lahainaluna Rd. I am writing in support of Bill 105.
Mahalo to the administration and planning department for introducing the bill and to Chair Kama for thoughtfully listening to the community.
I was born and raised on Maui. I chose to raise my children here for memories like I have from growing up: walking Front Street, Laperts ice cream in hand.
The devastation from the Lahaina fire has impacted my physical and emotional health with the addition of anxiety and stress. I am frustrated that no plan has been made to rebuild Front Street. Over a year since the fires we are distraught by the financial burden and lack of income from our property. The financial impact of not having our parking lot to rent out has caused significant financial stress for my family.
We are a small kama’aina family run business who want to keep this property and see the town thrive again. We do not want to sell, especially to off island buyers However, without action to rebuild the town how it was, we wont be able to keep it. I strongly support this bill as one step toward rebuilding the town. This would help my family, the Front Street businesses, create many jobs, and support the economy for the county of Maui and the State of Hawaii.
This bill is crucial to helping us move forward as a business and as a community. Thank you for reading and your careful consideration.
BILL 105 (2024), AMENDING SECTION 19.500.110, MAUI COUNTY CODE, REGARDING NONCONFORMITIES (HLU-34).
I am opposed to Tamara Paltin's proposed amendment to exclude Transient Vacation Rentals from the list of uses that are allowed to continue to operate as nonconforming uses after being discontinued.
I support this Bill to allow home or property owners the ability to rebuild their nonconforming structures that had burned in the fires. One suggestion however: because the nonconforming structures create a higher density of buildings (dwellings), of ohana living close together, please consider asking that these structures be built with fire-resistant materials; metal roofs, fire-resistant stucco, fire-resistant siding. If the added cost is a financial burden to the families and businesses, perhaps have a source that can provide these materials nonprofit. In addition to the several faults that caused the Lahaina and Kula fires, one was high density of flammable structures. To rebuild with better fire-resistant materials would better protect families and individuals living in higher density structures.
Housing Land Use Committee,
Aloha Chair and Members of the Maui County Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for Councilmember Tamara Paltin’s amendment to Bill 105, which would exclude Transient Vacation Rentals (TVRs) from resuming operations under nonconforming use provisions, particularly in areas affected by disaster.
In the aftermath of the Lahaina fires, our community has made it clear that we do not want TVRs in our neighborhoods. This message has been consistent throughout our recovery, and it’s crucial that the County listens. In the LTRP feedback presentation, eliminating short-term vacation rentals in neighborhoods was one of the top five concerns raised by residents. Housing needs, limiting oversized homes, and removing TVRs. We encourage you to listen to our community and act on these concerns. were repeatedly highlighted as urgent priorities to address West Maui's housing shortage.
Rebuilding TVRs would not only divert critical resources but also directly compete with the rebuilding of long-term housing. Workers like contractors and electricians are already in short supply, and restoring short-term rental properties will further delay the construction of affordable homes. Additionally, water allocations are already strained, and prioritizing TVRs would make it harder to meet the needs of local families.
TVRs have contributed to the displacement of local families and the rising unaffordability of housing in West Maui. By excluding them from nonconforming use, we can prioritize long-term housing and the recovery of our community. This amendment reflects the needs of the families who have lost everything.
I urge you to pass this amendment to protect the future of our neighborhoods and ensure our recovery prioritizes local residents.
Mahalo
Eleonore Koury
eleonore@fastmail.com
938 nenelea
Makawao, Hawaii 96768
Aloha Chair and Council Members,
My name is Denver Coon, and I represent Trilogy Excursions, a family-run business that has served Lahaina for over 50 years. We strongly support Bill No. 105 (2024), which amends Section 19.500.110 to address nonconforming structures and uses affected by disasters. This ordinance is essential for rebuilding Lahaina, both for the community and the economic vitality it brings.
Thirty-two of our employees lost their homes in the recent disaster, and many are eager to return and rebuild their lives in Lahaina. By allowing nonconforming structures to be restored, this bill offers a pathway for these families and businesses to recover without the burden of overly restrictive regulations.
Getting businesses like ours up and running again is crucial for the entire recovery process. Tourism is the lifeblood of Lahaina, and our operations bring much-needed jobs and economic activity to the area. Rebuilding homes goes hand-in-hand with restoring businesses, creating a cycle of support that helps the entire community recover faster. This bill enables us to contribute fully to that process by ensuring that we can continue to serve both locals and visitors.
The flexibility in the bill—such as reasonable timelines and the ability to restore historic structures—helps preserve Lahaina’s unique character while enabling a faster recovery. It allows us to maintain the cultural heart of our town, which is critical for our community’s spirit and the local economy.
Lahaina has always been more than just a place; it is a community that we are proud to be a part of, and we want to see it thrive once again. By supporting this bill, you are not only helping families like those of our 32 displaced employees find their way back home, but you are also fostering a sense of hope and resilience in Lahaina’s recovery process.
Mahalo for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Denver S. Coon
Trilogy Excursions
Aloha Chair Kama and members of the committee,
Mahalo for hearing my testimony.
My name is Heather Napela Williams. I am the great granddaughter of Lucy Napela Kaukau Furtado and Antonio Dias Furtado. Grandma Lucy was a teacher for years at Kamehameha III Elementary. Vuvu (my great grandfather) was a butcher and then became the Lahaina Postmaster. Over 100 years ago, they bought buildings at 693-711 Front Street and 754 Front Street. These buildings were tragically destroyed in the Lahaina fires of August 2023.
I am writing today in support of Bill 105. Thank you to the administration and planning department for introducing an essential bill and to Chair Kama for hearing it.
Our family has so many cherished memories of Lahaina, and we treasure these properties. They not only provide critical financial income for our kupuna, but they have kept our ohana close as we have worked together over the years to maintain them. As a Kanaka Maoli family, we understand the history of this community and deeply respect the land and sea. We strongly believe we can rebuild in a way that honors our culture while being economically responsible. This bill allows us to rebuild Front Street with sensitivity to the cultural and historical significance of the area. It provides the opportunity to restore the character of Lahaina in a way that respects its heritage while also supporting economic growth. This balance is key to a sustainable future for our community.
We are simply trying to rebuild what we lost in the devastating Lahaina fires. Bill 105 would be a huge help in doing this. My ohana strongly supports Bill 105 and we hope that you will too.
Mahalo nunui for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Heather Napela Williams along with my ohana:
Maile and Owen Williams
Nathan Punahele William Smith
Elijah Kaliko Carter Smith
Napela1@yahoo.com
I support Council Member Paltin's amendment to bill 105.
During community engagement Lahaina and West Maui Community members shared the vision that Lahaina should first feel like home for residents, and second welcome visitors.
In the last 20 years as platforms like Airbnb and VRBO made it easier to run a vacation rental from a distance, owners of homes and apartments in the historic district exploited loop holes and transitioned long term housing to short term rentals. I watched friends lose housing in Lahaina as owners realized how easy and profitable vacation rentals were. This was changing the character of Lahaina, making visitors, rather than residents, the priority.
Please support Member Paltin's amendment to help Lahaina rebuild as a home for locals (which will in turn be a more unique experience for visitors).
Mahalo for your time,
Karen Comcowich
Lahaina, HI
Aloha Chair Kama and members of the committee, mahalo/thank you for hearing my
testimony.
My name is Susan Kean and my family owns a few buildings across from the Banyan tree. I am writing in strong support of Bill 105. Thank you to the administration and planning department for introducing this essential bill and to Chair Kama for hearing it.
Since the horrific fires last year we have been paying the mortgages on these very expensive properties. Our hearts were broken for all the families who lost their loved ones and their homes and their livelihoods. We truly lost the heart of Maui. Our tenants are asking when can we rebuild and get back to our jobs? We lost Paia Fish Market which was a gathering place beloved by the locals and guests and we would often enjoy listening to the conversations amongst them sharing the joys and love for Lahaina.. I do not know how long our families can continue to pay these high mortgages with no plan for the future. The lots are cleared and ready to build. My husband passed away soon after the fires and the financial and emotional burden of financially carrying these properties while we wait for some plan and permission to rebuild is taking a serious toll on our children’s families. My husband’s dream was to be the first to rebuild on Front Street to become a beacon of hope for the recovery of the town, alongside the banyan tree. I live on the west side and it is easy to feel the desperation of the community here. People are waiting, many are leaving, due to inactivity. They want to be proactive and move forward and everyone feels frustrated by the lack of movement. I believe this bill will help the owners to get to rebuilding, the business proprietors can begin to make plans and the community can get back their town and their self respect by providing for their families, and taking part in recovering a healthy, financially stable community once again. I am positive that our town can rebuild in a way that honors the culture and historical significance and the wonderful CHARACTER of Lahaina and also build in a more resilient manner. The balance is so important to the economic recovery for Lahaina and for Maui. This bill will do a lot to move us forward.
Mahalo for your time and hearing my testimony.
I strongly support bill 105 and encourage all of you to consider supporting as well.
IMUA!
Susan Kean
Aloha and Mahalo for taking the time to hear from our community.
I am in support of this bill because it will get us one step closer to rebuilding lahaina and Front Street in particular. The character and charm of our little town on the west side can be brought back to life. The historic character of the buildings can be rebuilt. Modern Engineering and Architectual design can deliver amazing structures. Structures that will be safer, more resilient to mother nature, and still individual in character.
Lahaina must be allowed to be rebuilt as close to "the way it was" as possible. ANY legal steps that can allow our community members to rebuild what we had... is a welcome step forward. Do not let the negativity destroy our potential. We can rebuild Lahaina in a way that not only honors our past, respects our heritage, allows for the economic and tax generating power house to return, and maintains the unique character and charm.
Please SUPPORT BILL 105 and Please EXTEND THE REBUILDING Period as long as possible. Give our property owners the time and flexibility to rebuild Lahaina.... just like she was.... Only Better.
mahalo
M. Godt
We support Council Member Paltin's attempt to bring some order to the out of control TVR situation. We do not understand why it is better to "Share the aloha spirit" with visitors while resident housing options continue to shrink. One suggestion we would like to propose is to consider increasing the number of legal vacation rental licenses as we eliminate the unregulated and out-of-control TVR's. We understand the need for competition to hotels, however the way we have had our neighborhoods ruined by the constant flow of "Vacationers" has only improved the bank accounts of the 94% of foreign investors that own the TVR's. Perhaps an additional exception for actual Maui residents could be considered. We do know the Maui Vacation Rental Association is very worried. And that in itself gives us hope for change. Restore neighborhoods and increase long term rentals, or even return to residential ownership. No matter how small the number, any increase is better than seeing more and more TVR's pop up and force out residents.
Support Bill 105
I am an owner at 161 Lahainaluna Rd. I am writing in support of Bill 105.
Mahalo to the administration and planning department for introducing the bill and to Chair Kama for thoughtfully listening to the community.
I was born and raised on Maui. I chose to raise my children here for memories like I have from growing up: walking Front Street, Laperts ice cream in hand.
The devastation from the Lahaina fire has impacted my physical and emotional health with the addition of anxiety and stress. I am frustrated that no plan has been made to rebuild Front Street. Over a year since the fires we are distraught by the financial burden and lack of income from our property. The financial impact of not having our parking lot to rent out has caused significant financial stress for my family.
We are a small kama’aina family run business who want to keep this property and see the town thrive again. We do not want to sell, especially to off island buyers However, without action to rebuild the town how it was, we wont be able to keep it. I strongly support this bill as one step toward rebuilding the town. This would help my family, the Front Street businesses, create many jobs, and support the economy for the county of Maui and the State of Hawaii.
This bill is crucial to helping us move forward as a business and as a community. Thank you for reading and your careful consideration.
Support Bill 105
Oppose
BILL 105 (2024), AMENDING SECTION 19.500.110, MAUI COUNTY CODE, REGARDING NONCONFORMITIES (HLU-34).
I am OPPOSED to Bill 105 (2024) amendment to exclude Transient Vacation Rentals.
Mahalo,
Michelle Micucci
michelle.micucci@yahoo.com
BILL 105 (2024), AMENDING SECTION 19.500.110, MAUI COUNTY CODE, REGARDING NONCONFORMITIES (HLU-34).
I am opposed to Tamara Paltin's proposed amendment to exclude Transient Vacation Rentals from the list of uses that are allowed to continue to operate as nonconforming uses after being discontinued.
Mahalo,
Terri Abay-Abay
terriabay1@gmail.com
Aloha! Please accept this as my testimony in opposition of Bill 105. Mahalo.
Dear Maui County Council,
I support this Bill to allow home or property owners the ability to rebuild their nonconforming structures that had burned in the fires. One suggestion however: because the nonconforming structures create a higher density of buildings (dwellings), of ohana living close together, please consider asking that these structures be built with fire-resistant materials; metal roofs, fire-resistant stucco, fire-resistant siding. If the added cost is a financial burden to the families and businesses, perhaps have a source that can provide these materials nonprofit. In addition to the several faults that caused the Lahaina and Kula fires, one was high density of flammable structures. To rebuild with better fire-resistant materials would better protect families and individuals living in higher density structures.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Kelli Lundgren
Lahaina