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
Jamie Advincula
jamie.advincula@gmail.com
783 Kuialua St
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Aloha Chair Kama and members of the committee,
My name is Dylan Kailiha’o Fern, I am the great grandson 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 local butcher and then became the Lahaina Postmaster. Over 100 years ago, they bought buildings at 693-711 Front Street and 754 Front Street that have been managed by our Kānaka Maoli ‘ohana for generations. 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.
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. We strongly support the Maui Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the rebuilding period; from 4 to 5 years with a 2 year extension.This longer timeline allows us to properly navigate the challenges of rebuilding while keeping in line with the historical foundation of Front Street.
Mahalo nui for your time and attention to this matter.
Dylan Kailiha'o Fern
Aloha ~
My name is Rosemary Kunewa Randazzo and I am Trustee for the Kunewa Irrevocable Family Trust. We own 780 Front Street and we are in full support of Bill 105.
I would first like to mahalo the administration and planning department for introducing an essential bill, and mahalo to Chair Kama for hearing it.
Finding the words to convey the affect that the devastating fires that burned Lahaina to ashes and traumatized a community is still difficult, but it is uplifting to see progress being made and the residents of Lahaina, especially those that have lived there for generations, rebuilding their homes and lives.
We, the Kunewa ‘ohana, are Kanaka Maoli, a Hawaiian family, and we are 5 generations in Lahaina - on Front St. Our place was home to businesses that employed many of the residents of Lahaina over the decades.
We have roots on Maui. My father and his siblings were born and raised in Wailuku and went to Saint Anthony’s School. Our family home is still in Wailuku, and we have family members that live in Waikapu and Makawao; but our business was in Lahaina. The fire of August 8, 2023 certainly affected us financially, but more so emotionally. 780 Front Street was legacy carried forward, if you will. Where just a couple of months before the fire, my son brought his three young children to learn about their great-great grandfather and what his work left for us… for them.
I’m very proud to tell you that my grandfather, Joseph Hewahewa Kunewa, made great contributions to Maui County. He was Maui Tax Assessor from 1908 thru 1935; this was during a time when Wailuku had been designated as the County seat for government (1905) and the era of growth for Maui was beginning. His name and accomplishments are found in “The Men of Hawaii” book from 1930 and “The Builders of Hawaii” book from 1925. Both books “feature men of note and substantial achievement, past and present, who have contributed to the progress of the Territory.”
I mention these things because my grandfather was a true leader for the people. Though his name and accolades are in the history books, for us his greatest accomplishment was how he helped the people of Maui. He passed when I was just 4 years old. But, when my grandmother was still with us, people would visit and I would overhear them talk about my grandfather and how he helped their families; making sure they understood the need to pay taxes to keep their property. He would also help the local families who were delinquent in paying their taxes and about to lose their land.
It seems that we are at this kind of crossroads once again… where we need leaders that have heart and the interest of the local people – Kanaka Maoli and Kamaaina – first.
We, the Hawaiian and Kama’aina commercial landowners face uncertainty at this time; though the fires and destruction of Lahaina was not of our doing: Not one of our buildings started that fire. Over the decades we have stayed the course… starting when Lahaina was nothing more than horse stables and a small plantation town. My cousin told me about spending time in Lahaina when he was a kid digging in the dirt looking for horseshoes and bottles. I found it simply amazing that horseshoes and glass bottles were some of the things the archaeologists found on our property during the clean-up. We have withstood the tsunami of 1946, yearly hurricanes, droughts, economic downturns, and a pandemic to name a few things. But we always reopened. Not so much this time. The uncertainty comes with laws and setbacks that were put in place long after our buildings were standing.
As you know, Front Street would eventually become a world-renown retail corridor. By August 8th, 2023, it was a fully mature commercial mecca that catered to thousands of visitors and locals each year; as well as employed many residents from Lahaina. With local people being priced out of paradise each and every day, we know we are fortunate to be able to call 780 Front Street ours. We are grateful to our grandparents, and to our parents for this gift. It’s part of our identity. It's part of my family’s genealogy and heritage. As a wise Samoan man said at FestPac; “These things – our identity (Hawaiian) and the gift of our heritage, genealogy (and the right to our land) – is not negotiable.”
We now need a leader that will mirror my grandfather’s example – we need you to remove the uncertainty. We need you to do the right thing. We need you to take that mighty pen and make it easy for us to rebuild Front Street to what she was. After all we, too, have been here for generations and we should be afforded the same considerations and dignity to rebuild with the residents of Lahaina…
and to reopen once again.
Aloha No~
Rosemary Randazzo
as Trustee for the Kunewa Irrevocable Family Trust
jmkunewa@gmail.com
Housing Land Use Committee,
I am writing this as a 35 year resident of West Maui. I have spent these years living in the areas between Honokowai and Napili. During the ’80s, ‘90s, ‘00s, and the early ‘10s Lower Honoapiilani Rd. is where myself and friends lived. I’m speaking of all the condos starting at Papakea and stretching north to Napili. This is where we lived. Every single one of these condos that is zoned A1 or A2 was a majority of local people renting and owning.
With the inception of Airbnb and VRBO since 2011 our neighborhoods have changed drastically and our housing supplies have diminished. I think that is the biggest thing people don’t realize, that this is actually a new problem. This problem of STR’s dominating these neighborhoods was very evident coming up into 2019 and then post Covid when we started experiencing extreme over tourism, things absolutely blew up and people really started to capitalize monetarily on the ability to do STR‘s in these neighborhoods. I am sure when the Minatoya list was created, what it has become was not the end result anyone saw coming or had in mind. I also feel that the profound number of STR’s has absolutely caused our over tourism issue. Before the fire, this issue was starting to really deteriorate our quality of life, particularly on the small area that is West Maui. Post fire, it is time for a reboot.
This will without a doubt be painful for some. But the pain and suffering our community has faced because of the lack of housing and lack of our families ability to raise their children here, and continue to have generations here, comes with a much higher price. If you do not have teachers, policeman, medical professionals, County workers, people to work in the resorts and tourist industry than we have nothing. This is the direction we are going. We all witness it every day, people leave every day. I am fortunate to own a home in West Maui that is outside of the burn zone. Even still , we are still considering leaving Maui. Even though we have a home that is standing far from the burn zone along with steady jobs, we are considering leaving. We have children and their education and well-being is of the upmost importance to us. Right now we are waiting to see which school to enroll our children at for the new school year to see which school has the most teachers left. Can you even believe that is a concern? Well it is. A very, very real concern. We had teachers that had to leave throughout the year because of housing and more still now that the school year is over are still continuing to leave because of a lack of housing. Amazing people, amazing teachers, amazing community members. How will our children ever make a life here? Right now, I do not feel that that is possible. Because of these situations caused by STR’s taking so much housing, we are still debating whether or not to make a move somewhere. A thought I never believed would ever come into my mind. Just think if the STR market had never gotten out of hand? Would we be in this situation? No.
In addressing all of the people that are against this. Their answer is to build more housing. Or, that it should already have been built, and it’s not their fault that it isn’t, so don’t blame me. To those with that attitude, I say it is time for you to leave Maui, not us. We have seen recently that we do not have the resources, the time, the workers, you name it, to make new neighborhoods and housing happen overnight. We have to focus on rebuilding Lahaina and using the existing housing that we have available to us, which is vast.
You have to think about the future of Maui as a community, not a for profit enterprise controlled by people from the mainland and internationally. My fear is that there literally will be no one left here. No history, no connection to the community, no anything. We already feel an immense loss for the souls that we lost in the fire, the personal things, the places we lost. And now for those that have had to move to another part of the island or off Island, that is a loss that really stings and will continue to sting. It is a sadness but also a rally cry that is with all of us on a daily basis. We have each other’s backs, we support each other daily. We prop each other up. We need to bring our community back to the west side. And that right there is why we are, and why we will always be, Lahaina Strong. Imua Lahaina.
Mahalo, David Weeks
David Weeks
wavesailor87@gmail.com
25 Uli Pl
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
My name is Kaione Crabb, 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.
Mahalo nui for your time and attention to this matter.
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
Gayle Shufeldt
westmauire@gmail.com
32 Kauaula Rd
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Housing Land Use Committee,
Aloha Chair and Members of the Maui County Council,
Let's let the STVR be located in resort areas arlready designated, not our neighborhoods.
I urge you to pass this amendment to protect the future of our neighborhoods and ensure our recovery prioritizes local residents.
Mahalo
Robb Petty
robbpetty@gmail.com
3800 Lower Honoapiilani Rd
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
My name is Kaleo Schneider I am one of the owners of A.D Furtado Properties Lahaina and Lucy Napela Furtado Properties on Front Street. I am writing in support of bill 105. I want to thank Council member Kama for prioritizing this bill as it is essential in helping us as landowners find a way forward after this horrific event. I also support the Maui Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the rebuilding period from four years to five years with a potential two year extension.
Our family has been on Front Street as a landowner for well over 100 years and we want to continue and to help rebuild the economy and charm that is Lahaina.
Mahalo for your support during this difficult time.
Aloha Kaleo Schneider
President A.D. Furtado properties Lahaina, LLC.
Maui County Council
Housing and Land Use Committee
Kalana Pakui Building
250 South High Street
Wailuku, Maui, HI
Re: BILL 105 (2024), AMENDING SECTION 19.500.110, MAUI COUNTY CODE, REGARDING NONCONFORMITIES (HLU-34)
Aloha Councilmembers,
Mahalo for the opportunity to comment on Bill 105, amending section 19.500.110, Maui County Code, regarding nonconformities.
Airbnb supports the original intention of this bill to create additional flexibility for rebuilding of structures impacted by the Maui wildfires. However, the bill has been amended to include a provision that would eliminate the use of these structures for short-term renting if they have not been utilized for more than twelve months.
As written, there is no clarity as to who this amendment specifically impacts, how it would be applied, or how the County intends to enforce it. This presents a huge potential for unintended consequences – even penalizing locals who have paused hosting short-term rentals for the past year in order to house displaced residents long term. For many, the supplemental income from hosting is more important now than ever.
Last year, Airbnb and Airbnb.org worked closely with the Governor’s office and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to help provide temporary housing for displaced residents across Maui. In total, we connected over 2,200 displaced residents to free, temporary housing. Since then, we have continued to work with DHS to encourage hosts on Airbnb to offer their homes to displaced residents on a longer term basis. In partnership with DHS, Airbnb has helped house over 1,000 displaced residents for a total of over 110,000 nights through this program to date.
We urge you to strike the amendment related to short-term rentals, which only creates several layers of confusion and detracts from the important goal of the original bill.
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
Tabitha Tatum
hello@malamayoganaturetherapy.com
1711A Olinda Rd
Makawao, Hawaii 96768
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
Veronica Mendoza
Veronica Mendoza Jachowski
vero@rootsreborn.org
95 Mahalani St
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
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
celestial romero
celestial.romero@fora.travel
946 PUULOA ST
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
I support the bill but not the amendment. Study this and go after the illegal STRs, not us hard-working, TAX PAYING owners of STRs!
Aloha,
Gail Nagasako
Owner permitted B & B
Our family home burned to the ground. Our possessions are ashes. Our memories are tarnished. Our mental health is barely hanging on, and if this bill is passed, it threatens the one thing we have left: our HOPE. Bill 105 made sense for us before the new amendment to exclude TVRs.
My name is Kevin Williams and I used to live on Lahainaluna Rd. We are a family of six our lives were forever changed on August 8th, 2024. We lost our home, we lost our business (permitted STRH; we lived on property), and nearly our lives.
We have stayed in West Maui since the fire to support our community. Even though our lives were devastated, we still stand strong and are providing other victims and community members with support in any way possible (offering professional advice on insurance/FEMA/SBA for free to other victims, starting a mommy-and-me workout group at Napili Park, coaching keiki soccer weekly and tipping/buying local everywhere we can).
Passing Bill 105, as it stands now, puts our livelihood and that of many others at risk. It would devastate us even further. After establishing roots in west Maui now for over 14 years, we would no longer be able to live the life we have worked so hard to build. We also file 1099's for nearly a dozen West Maui residences and families who would also be negatively affected. This impact would trickle down to shops, restaurants, and businesses of all types. I’m not sure devastated is a strong enough word to describe what would happen to our Ohana if this bill passes. We have suffered enough.
Please create a path for us to continue to operate our TVR business legally. Here are some ideas that are a compromise of the opposing thoughts.
1) Replace all STRHs with Bed and Breakfast permits, requiring an on-island agent to be on the property for the rental. This will create work for a local and a home.
2) Require that if an STRH or B&B wishes to continue operating after rebuilding, it build an additional ADU on the property to add to the pool of homes for locals to live in. For example, before the fire, we had one home and one ADU in which we lived. We will rebuild and build one main home and now two ADUs.
3) Require that the operator of the permit live in Maui so we know the money is staying here and kuliahan remains Maui and its residences.
Any of these ideas would help support the goal of reducing housing shortages while also maintaining a way of life, a path, that a few of us have worked so hard to build for so many years.
I am writing in opposition to this bill because it will threaten my ability to make a living along with the other cleaners, electricians, maintenance workers, and small businesses like me, who live and work in my community.
I ask that you please do not move this bill forward.
Mahalo for your time and personal attention to this matter,
Williams Ohana
Kevin, Kelly, Sienna, Malia, Landon and Leilani
Aloha Chair Kama and Council members,
My name is Mary Napela Crabb Fern. I am named after my Grandmother, Lucy Napela Kaukau Furtado, who was born and raised in Honokawai and Lahaina Maui. I am one of the family owners of the Furtado buildings and property; located at 693-711 Front Street, along with the buildings that stood at 754 Front Street. My Grandfather, Antonio Dias Furtado and my grandmother purchased this property in the early 1900s when it was originally a butcher shop. The butcher shop lead way to approximately 20 shops of varied nature; employing many members of the Lahaina community. We appreciate the workings of Bill 105, as it is essential that we need continuing assistance in finding a way forward after the catastrophic events that have devastated our livelihoods. Front Street has always been more than just a place of commerce. It's a historic and cultural place appealing to both Islanders and visitors. Rebuilding is about restoring our livelihoods; restoring a sense of community; and an very important to in regaining our Lahaina ohana legacy. We strongly support the Maui Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the rebuilding period; from 4 to 5 years with a 2 year extension.This longer timeline allows us to properly navigate the challenges of rebuilding while keeping in line with the historical foundation of Front Street. This bill moves us in a direction to start generating income; critical to the growth and recovery of our Maui community and economy. Mahalo for your assistance. Mary Napela Fern and ohana, Dennis Fern, Beau Dylan Fern, Napela Fern, Nahina Fern.
I am in opposition of Tamara Paltin’s ammendment to Bill 105 which would take away the legal rights of those properties which operated as TVRs prior to the fire.
I am in support of this bill 105 because it will help to rebuild Front Street in particular. The character of Lahaina is shown through the unique building designs. The historic charm can be alive again.
Lahaina must be rebuilt the way it was.
As our elected leaders, I implore you to take the steps necessary to encourage property owners to rebuild what they had. The best way to honor our past, respect our culture, and foster economic growth is to bring back Front St. No one suggests building in places that did not have improvements. I simply want my town to be returned to its glory. New building safety of course, but dense buildings, on the waterfront, historic designs etc. We DO NOT WANT or need another Wailea or Beverly Hills or boring mainland suburbia.
We need to let property owners rebuild what they had.
Please SUPPORT BILL 105 and Please EXTEND THE REBUILDING time frame.
Support our private property owners and allow them a chance to deliver the improvements our ohana and community deserve. The baldwin house, the courthouse, the library and other historic structures can be the heart of our town.
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.
My name is David Smyth and I have been coming to Maui over 130 times since 1986. I purchased property at the Puamana in 2015. My property taxes are near 15,000 a year. I have brought in 10s of thousands of dollars in GET, TAT and MCTAT. I employ a Caretaker that makes about 60,000 per year and has three children. The cleaning company that works on my place made over 30,000 in the last year of operations. I invested several hundred thousand in renovations and employed all local contractors/suppliers. I am a medical doctor and I have helped numerous locals and visitors with injuries at no charge. If destroyed TVRs are not allowed to continue and they are not in the category of the approximately 7,000 that are on a list previously mentioned, we need to know that prior to voting for the 4 billion dollar settlement. Most of us will not vote for the settlement and I am told that approximately 85% to 90% need to approve the deal. This will mean that Maui Electric will certainly go bankrupt, the Land owners that are defendants may have to liquidate land, the County can't go bankrupt and will have to be bailed out by the state. The payments to locals will be delayed by years and more of them will leave. Not to mention the legal battles that the County will have by their "regulated taking" of the 7,000 STR units. It is ironic that the worry about a land grab was about non locals trying to buy land in Maui cheap. It is actually the other way around and the locals are trying to grab nonlocals land for cheap. Thank you
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
Jamie Advincula
jamie.advincula@gmail.com
783 Kuialua St
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Aloha Chair Kama and members of the committee,
My name is Dylan Kailiha’o Fern, I am the great grandson 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 local butcher and then became the Lahaina Postmaster. Over 100 years ago, they bought buildings at 693-711 Front Street and 754 Front Street that have been managed by our Kānaka Maoli ‘ohana for generations. 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.
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. We strongly support the Maui Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the rebuilding period; from 4 to 5 years with a 2 year extension.This longer timeline allows us to properly navigate the challenges of rebuilding while keeping in line with the historical foundation of Front Street.
Mahalo nui for your time and attention to this matter.
Dylan Kailiha'o Fern
Aloha ~
My name is Rosemary Kunewa Randazzo and I am Trustee for the Kunewa Irrevocable Family Trust. We own 780 Front Street and we are in full support of Bill 105.
I would first like to mahalo the administration and planning department for introducing an essential bill, and mahalo to Chair Kama for hearing it.
Finding the words to convey the affect that the devastating fires that burned Lahaina to ashes and traumatized a community is still difficult, but it is uplifting to see progress being made and the residents of Lahaina, especially those that have lived there for generations, rebuilding their homes and lives.
We, the Kunewa ‘ohana, are Kanaka Maoli, a Hawaiian family, and we are 5 generations in Lahaina - on Front St. Our place was home to businesses that employed many of the residents of Lahaina over the decades.
We have roots on Maui. My father and his siblings were born and raised in Wailuku and went to Saint Anthony’s School. Our family home is still in Wailuku, and we have family members that live in Waikapu and Makawao; but our business was in Lahaina. The fire of August 8, 2023 certainly affected us financially, but more so emotionally. 780 Front Street was legacy carried forward, if you will. Where just a couple of months before the fire, my son brought his three young children to learn about their great-great grandfather and what his work left for us… for them.
I’m very proud to tell you that my grandfather, Joseph Hewahewa Kunewa, made great contributions to Maui County. He was Maui Tax Assessor from 1908 thru 1935; this was during a time when Wailuku had been designated as the County seat for government (1905) and the era of growth for Maui was beginning. His name and accomplishments are found in “The Men of Hawaii” book from 1930 and “The Builders of Hawaii” book from 1925. Both books “feature men of note and substantial achievement, past and present, who have contributed to the progress of the Territory.”
I mention these things because my grandfather was a true leader for the people. Though his name and accolades are in the history books, for us his greatest accomplishment was how he helped the people of Maui. He passed when I was just 4 years old. But, when my grandmother was still with us, people would visit and I would overhear them talk about my grandfather and how he helped their families; making sure they understood the need to pay taxes to keep their property. He would also help the local families who were delinquent in paying their taxes and about to lose their land.
It seems that we are at this kind of crossroads once again… where we need leaders that have heart and the interest of the local people – Kanaka Maoli and Kamaaina – first.
We, the Hawaiian and Kama’aina commercial landowners face uncertainty at this time; though the fires and destruction of Lahaina was not of our doing: Not one of our buildings started that fire. Over the decades we have stayed the course… starting when Lahaina was nothing more than horse stables and a small plantation town. My cousin told me about spending time in Lahaina when he was a kid digging in the dirt looking for horseshoes and bottles. I found it simply amazing that horseshoes and glass bottles were some of the things the archaeologists found on our property during the clean-up. We have withstood the tsunami of 1946, yearly hurricanes, droughts, economic downturns, and a pandemic to name a few things. But we always reopened. Not so much this time. The uncertainty comes with laws and setbacks that were put in place long after our buildings were standing.
As you know, Front Street would eventually become a world-renown retail corridor. By August 8th, 2023, it was a fully mature commercial mecca that catered to thousands of visitors and locals each year; as well as employed many residents from Lahaina. With local people being priced out of paradise each and every day, we know we are fortunate to be able to call 780 Front Street ours. We are grateful to our grandparents, and to our parents for this gift. It’s part of our identity. It's part of my family’s genealogy and heritage. As a wise Samoan man said at FestPac; “These things – our identity (Hawaiian) and the gift of our heritage, genealogy (and the right to our land) – is not negotiable.”
We now need a leader that will mirror my grandfather’s example – we need you to remove the uncertainty. We need you to do the right thing. We need you to take that mighty pen and make it easy for us to rebuild Front Street to what she was. After all we, too, have been here for generations and we should be afforded the same considerations and dignity to rebuild with the residents of Lahaina…
and to reopen once again.
Aloha No~
Rosemary Randazzo
as Trustee for the Kunewa Irrevocable Family Trust
jmkunewa@gmail.com
Housing Land Use Committee,
I am writing this as a 35 year resident of West Maui. I have spent these years living in the areas between Honokowai and Napili. During the ’80s, ‘90s, ‘00s, and the early ‘10s Lower Honoapiilani Rd. is where myself and friends lived. I’m speaking of all the condos starting at Papakea and stretching north to Napili. This is where we lived. Every single one of these condos that is zoned A1 or A2 was a majority of local people renting and owning.
With the inception of Airbnb and VRBO since 2011 our neighborhoods have changed drastically and our housing supplies have diminished. I think that is the biggest thing people don’t realize, that this is actually a new problem. This problem of STR’s dominating these neighborhoods was very evident coming up into 2019 and then post Covid when we started experiencing extreme over tourism, things absolutely blew up and people really started to capitalize monetarily on the ability to do STR‘s in these neighborhoods. I am sure when the Minatoya list was created, what it has become was not the end result anyone saw coming or had in mind. I also feel that the profound number of STR’s has absolutely caused our over tourism issue. Before the fire, this issue was starting to really deteriorate our quality of life, particularly on the small area that is West Maui. Post fire, it is time for a reboot.
This will without a doubt be painful for some. But the pain and suffering our community has faced because of the lack of housing and lack of our families ability to raise their children here, and continue to have generations here, comes with a much higher price. If you do not have teachers, policeman, medical professionals, County workers, people to work in the resorts and tourist industry than we have nothing. This is the direction we are going. We all witness it every day, people leave every day. I am fortunate to own a home in West Maui that is outside of the burn zone. Even still , we are still considering leaving Maui. Even though we have a home that is standing far from the burn zone along with steady jobs, we are considering leaving. We have children and their education and well-being is of the upmost importance to us. Right now we are waiting to see which school to enroll our children at for the new school year to see which school has the most teachers left. Can you even believe that is a concern? Well it is. A very, very real concern. We had teachers that had to leave throughout the year because of housing and more still now that the school year is over are still continuing to leave because of a lack of housing. Amazing people, amazing teachers, amazing community members. How will our children ever make a life here? Right now, I do not feel that that is possible. Because of these situations caused by STR’s taking so much housing, we are still debating whether or not to make a move somewhere. A thought I never believed would ever come into my mind. Just think if the STR market had never gotten out of hand? Would we be in this situation? No.
In addressing all of the people that are against this. Their answer is to build more housing. Or, that it should already have been built, and it’s not their fault that it isn’t, so don’t blame me. To those with that attitude, I say it is time for you to leave Maui, not us. We have seen recently that we do not have the resources, the time, the workers, you name it, to make new neighborhoods and housing happen overnight. We have to focus on rebuilding Lahaina and using the existing housing that we have available to us, which is vast.
You have to think about the future of Maui as a community, not a for profit enterprise controlled by people from the mainland and internationally. My fear is that there literally will be no one left here. No history, no connection to the community, no anything. We already feel an immense loss for the souls that we lost in the fire, the personal things, the places we lost. And now for those that have had to move to another part of the island or off Island, that is a loss that really stings and will continue to sting. It is a sadness but also a rally cry that is with all of us on a daily basis. We have each other’s backs, we support each other daily. We prop each other up. We need to bring our community back to the west side. And that right there is why we are, and why we will always be, Lahaina Strong. Imua Lahaina.
Mahalo, David Weeks
David Weeks
wavesailor87@gmail.com
25 Uli Pl
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Aloha Chair Kama and members of the committee,
Mahalo for hearing my testimony.
My name is Kaione Crabb, 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.
Mahalo nui for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Kaione Crabb
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
Gayle Shufeldt
westmauire@gmail.com
32 Kauaula Rd
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
Housing Land Use Committee,
Aloha Chair and Members of the Maui County Council,
Let's let the STVR be located in resort areas arlready designated, not our neighborhoods.
I urge you to pass this amendment to protect the future of our neighborhoods and ensure our recovery prioritizes local residents.
Mahalo
Robb Petty
robbpetty@gmail.com
3800 Lower Honoapiilani Rd
Lahaina, Hawaii 96761
My name is Kaleo Schneider I am one of the owners of A.D Furtado Properties Lahaina and Lucy Napela Furtado Properties on Front Street. I am writing in support of bill 105. I want to thank Council member Kama for prioritizing this bill as it is essential in helping us as landowners find a way forward after this horrific event. I also support the Maui Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the rebuilding period from four years to five years with a potential two year extension.
Our family has been on Front Street as a landowner for well over 100 years and we want to continue and to help rebuild the economy and charm that is Lahaina.
Mahalo for your support during this difficult time.
Aloha Kaleo Schneider
President A.D. Furtado properties Lahaina, LLC.
October 22, 2024
Maui County Council
Housing and Land Use Committee
Kalana Pakui Building
250 South High Street
Wailuku, Maui, HI
Re: BILL 105 (2024), AMENDING SECTION 19.500.110, MAUI COUNTY CODE, REGARDING NONCONFORMITIES (HLU-34)
Aloha Councilmembers,
Mahalo for the opportunity to comment on Bill 105, amending section 19.500.110, Maui County Code, regarding nonconformities.
Airbnb supports the original intention of this bill to create additional flexibility for rebuilding of structures impacted by the Maui wildfires. However, the bill has been amended to include a provision that would eliminate the use of these structures for short-term renting if they have not been utilized for more than twelve months.
As written, there is no clarity as to who this amendment specifically impacts, how it would be applied, or how the County intends to enforce it. This presents a huge potential for unintended consequences – even penalizing locals who have paused hosting short-term rentals for the past year in order to house displaced residents long term. For many, the supplemental income from hosting is more important now than ever.
Last year, Airbnb and Airbnb.org worked closely with the Governor’s office and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to help provide temporary housing for displaced residents across Maui. In total, we connected over 2,200 displaced residents to free, temporary housing. Since then, we have continued to work with DHS to encourage hosts on Airbnb to offer their homes to displaced residents on a longer term basis. In partnership with DHS, Airbnb has helped house over 1,000 displaced residents for a total of over 110,000 nights through this program to date.
We urge you to strike the amendment related to short-term rentals, which only creates several layers of confusion and detracts from the important goal of the original bill.
Mahalo,
Alex Folsom
Senior Policy Manager
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
Tabitha Tatum
hello@malamayoganaturetherapy.com
1711A Olinda Rd
Makawao, Hawaii 96768
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
Veronica Mendoza
Veronica Mendoza Jachowski
vero@rootsreborn.org
95 Mahalani St
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
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
celestial romero
celestial.romero@fora.travel
946 PUULOA ST
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793
I support the bill but not the amendment. Study this and go after the illegal STRs, not us hard-working, TAX PAYING owners of STRs!
Aloha,
Gail Nagasako
Owner permitted B & B
Please see attached
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Committee,
Our family home burned to the ground. Our possessions are ashes. Our memories are tarnished. Our mental health is barely hanging on, and if this bill is passed, it threatens the one thing we have left: our HOPE. Bill 105 made sense for us before the new amendment to exclude TVRs.
My name is Kevin Williams and I used to live on Lahainaluna Rd. We are a family of six our lives were forever changed on August 8th, 2024. We lost our home, we lost our business (permitted STRH; we lived on property), and nearly our lives.
We have stayed in West Maui since the fire to support our community. Even though our lives were devastated, we still stand strong and are providing other victims and community members with support in any way possible (offering professional advice on insurance/FEMA/SBA for free to other victims, starting a mommy-and-me workout group at Napili Park, coaching keiki soccer weekly and tipping/buying local everywhere we can).
Passing Bill 105, as it stands now, puts our livelihood and that of many others at risk. It would devastate us even further. After establishing roots in west Maui now for over 14 years, we would no longer be able to live the life we have worked so hard to build. We also file 1099's for nearly a dozen West Maui residences and families who would also be negatively affected. This impact would trickle down to shops, restaurants, and businesses of all types. I’m not sure devastated is a strong enough word to describe what would happen to our Ohana if this bill passes. We have suffered enough.
Please create a path for us to continue to operate our TVR business legally. Here are some ideas that are a compromise of the opposing thoughts.
1) Replace all STRHs with Bed and Breakfast permits, requiring an on-island agent to be on the property for the rental. This will create work for a local and a home.
2) Require that if an STRH or B&B wishes to continue operating after rebuilding, it build an additional ADU on the property to add to the pool of homes for locals to live in. For example, before the fire, we had one home and one ADU in which we lived. We will rebuild and build one main home and now two ADUs.
3) Require that the operator of the permit live in Maui so we know the money is staying here and kuliahan remains Maui and its residences.
Any of these ideas would help support the goal of reducing housing shortages while also maintaining a way of life, a path, that a few of us have worked so hard to build for so many years.
I am writing in opposition to this bill because it will threaten my ability to make a living along with the other cleaners, electricians, maintenance workers, and small businesses like me, who live and work in my community.
I ask that you please do not move this bill forward.
Mahalo for your time and personal attention to this matter,
Williams Ohana
Kevin, Kelly, Sienna, Malia, Landon and Leilani
Aloha Chair Kama and Council members,
My name is Mary Napela Crabb Fern. I am named after my Grandmother, Lucy Napela Kaukau Furtado, who was born and raised in Honokawai and Lahaina Maui. I am one of the family owners of the Furtado buildings and property; located at 693-711 Front Street, along with the buildings that stood at 754 Front Street. My Grandfather, Antonio Dias Furtado and my grandmother purchased this property in the early 1900s when it was originally a butcher shop. The butcher shop lead way to approximately 20 shops of varied nature; employing many members of the Lahaina community. We appreciate the workings of Bill 105, as it is essential that we need continuing assistance in finding a way forward after the catastrophic events that have devastated our livelihoods. Front Street has always been more than just a place of commerce. It's a historic and cultural place appealing to both Islanders and visitors. Rebuilding is about restoring our livelihoods; restoring a sense of community; and an very important to in regaining our Lahaina ohana legacy. We strongly support the Maui Planning Commission's recommendation to extend the rebuilding period; from 4 to 5 years with a 2 year extension.This longer timeline allows us to properly navigate the challenges of rebuilding while keeping in line with the historical foundation of Front Street. This bill moves us in a direction to start generating income; critical to the growth and recovery of our Maui community and economy. Mahalo for your assistance. Mary Napela Fern and ohana, Dennis Fern, Beau Dylan Fern, Napela Fern, Nahina Fern.
I am in opposition of Tamara Paltin’s ammendment to Bill 105 which would take away the legal rights of those properties which operated as TVRs prior to the fire.
Aloha and Mahalo
I am in support of this bill 105 because it will help to rebuild Front Street in particular. The character of Lahaina is shown through the unique building designs. The historic charm can be alive again.
Lahaina must be rebuilt the way it was.
As our elected leaders, I implore you to take the steps necessary to encourage property owners to rebuild what they had. The best way to honor our past, respect our culture, and foster economic growth is to bring back Front St. No one suggests building in places that did not have improvements. I simply want my town to be returned to its glory. New building safety of course, but dense buildings, on the waterfront, historic designs etc. We DO NOT WANT or need another Wailea or Beverly Hills or boring mainland suburbia.
We need to let property owners rebuild what they had.
Please SUPPORT BILL 105 and Please EXTEND THE REBUILDING time frame.
Support our private property owners and allow them a chance to deliver the improvements our ohana and community deserve. The baldwin house, the courthouse, the library and other historic structures can be the heart of our town.
mahalo
Michelle E. 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.
My name is David Smyth and I have been coming to Maui over 130 times since 1986. I purchased property at the Puamana in 2015. My property taxes are near 15,000 a year. I have brought in 10s of thousands of dollars in GET, TAT and MCTAT. I employ a Caretaker that makes about 60,000 per year and has three children. The cleaning company that works on my place made over 30,000 in the last year of operations. I invested several hundred thousand in renovations and employed all local contractors/suppliers. I am a medical doctor and I have helped numerous locals and visitors with injuries at no charge. If destroyed TVRs are not allowed to continue and they are not in the category of the approximately 7,000 that are on a list previously mentioned, we need to know that prior to voting for the 4 billion dollar settlement. Most of us will not vote for the settlement and I am told that approximately 85% to 90% need to approve the deal. This will mean that Maui Electric will certainly go bankrupt, the Land owners that are defendants may have to liquidate land, the County can't go bankrupt and will have to be bailed out by the state. The payments to locals will be delayed by years and more of them will leave. Not to mention the legal battles that the County will have by their "regulated taking" of the 7,000 STR units. It is ironic that the worry about a land grab was about non locals trying to buy land in Maui cheap. It is actually the other way around and the locals are trying to grab nonlocals land for cheap. Thank you