Councilmember Tamara Paltin
Maui County Council
Kalana O Maui, 8th Floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793
Re: Councilmember Paltin’s Amendment to Bill 105 (2024)
Dear Chair Paltin, Vice Chair Uʻu Hodgins, and members of the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee,
On behalf of Expedia Group, a family of brands that includes Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and short-term rental leader Vrbo, I am writing to share comments on Bill 105 (2024) and Councilmember Tamara Paltin’s amendment that would disallow nonconforming transient vacation rental uses from resuming if the use was halted for twelve or more months because the unit was in a structure damaged or destroyed by fire.
This amendment would further penalize transient vacation rental owners and operators who are already struggling to recover from the devastating wildfires in 2023. This amendment would slow down recovery for not just short-term rental operators but all the auxiliary small businesses and economic activity that those rentals support.
Disallowing these short-term rentals is a significant, impactful proposal that requires thoughtful deliberation—carefully examining community and economic impacts. There is already legislation before County Council to contemplate disallowing or phasing out short-term rentals, so there is no need to interject an amendment into this bill.
Finally, Councilmember Paltin’s amendment could slow down this important legislation drafted to help Lahaina to rebuild. We urge you to reject Councilmember Paltin’s amendment and other attempts to disallow existing transient vacation rental uses.
Mahalo,
Mackenzie Chase
Regional Manager, Hawaiʻi
Expedia Group
I support Bill 105 because Lahaina needs a fair path to rebuild, and this bill helps make that happen. However, I’m opposed to the Paltin Amendment, which would prevent short-term rental (STR) owners from the same rebuilding rights as others.
Many STR owners are local residents who depend on this income to stay in Maui. Excluding them could make it even harder for some families to recover. STRs also support the local economy—providing jobs, helping small businesses, and keeping money flowing into the community.
Lahaina’s recovery should be about rebuilding together. I ask you to pass Bill 105 without the Paltin Amendment so that all affected property owners have a fair chance to move forward.
Dear Councilmembers and Members of the Committee,
I oppose Councilmember Paltin's amendment to Bill 105 that would disallow a nonconforming transient vacation rental use from resuming if the use was discontinued for 12 months because the structure was damaged or destroyed. A person or family whose rental house/unit was destroyed or damaged has suffered enough. The Paltin amendment would only serve to punish these owners for a disaster that was far beyond their control. I support the rest of the bill, just not the amendment.
Thank you for your consideration.
My wife and I own property on Maui and strongly support the bill to provide necessary structural change to facilitate quicker rebuilding of beautiful Lahaina. Those devastated by the fire should have the full support of the Council for prompt rebuilding.
At the same time, we strongly OPPOSE the proposed amendment that unfairly targets short-term rentals. Owners of STRs provide vital employment to thousands within the community and they contribute vast tax revenues to the county, thereby supporting the community for all. There is no compelling reason to exclude STR owners from the overall goal of the bill.
We strongly support bill 105 to help small businesses, landowners and local families recover faster. Our one small building provided over $2,000,000 in wages to local families, artists and employees both on Maui and Oahu. As a small business and manufacturer it is so hard to live in Hawaii and the economic "utility" of Lahaina was the single best source or revenue for the "small guy" unlike Waikiki. Time is our "ENEMY". There is NO time for studies, or other delays. Local families are already leaving due to lack of quality jobs. So many benefited from this wonderful economic engine that had it own quaint vibe. Please support and pass bill 105. Mahalo!
I strongly support Bill 105 and urge the Maui County Council and the Mayor to approve Bill 105 so we can restore the historic diversity of Lahaina. Please pass this bill so we all can come home to a Lahaina that is more like it was before. The nonconformity of Lele made it attraction to everyone.
I am also a board member of Lahaina Restoration and our task to rebuild the historic buildings of Lahaina needs Bill 105 so we can honor the history of Lahaina.
Lahaina used to generate about 30% of the tax revenue for Maui County. Let’s rebuild our Lahaina so it can do that again and help all of us.
Dear Councilmembers and Members of the Committee,
As a Lahaina homeowner, I am writing in support of Bill 105, which is essential to the recovery and rebuilding of Lahaina. This bill provides critical measures that allow properties with nonconforming uses to rebuild after disasters, such as the devastating August 8th wildfire. Bill 105 would help create a clear path forward and is essential for the recovery of our residents, businesses, and community.
However, I oppose the amendment proposed by Councilmember Paltin. It’s unfair to single out one type of business, and fire victims should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
I urge the committee to pass Bill 105 as originally drafted and reject the proposed amendment.
Aloha Chair Paltin and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in strong support of Bill 105.
My family is the fee simple owner of the Pioneer Inn property adjacent to Lahaina Harbor. The Pioneer Inn, which my great grandfather opened for business in 1901, was the oldest continuously operating hotel in Hawaii until it was destroyed in the August 8, 2023 wildfire. It was an integral part of Lahaina's history and community for 122 years. The hotel, restaurant, and retail businesses located at the Pioneer Inn provided hundreds of jobs. We hope that our property will be able to be rebuilt to its former scale, appearance, and use.
I appreciate the County drafting this bill. Approval of Bill 105 is necessary in order for Lahaina to be rebuilt in its historic, small-town character.
I urge the Council to support the rebuilding of historic Lahaina by passing Bill 105.
Mahalo,
G. Warren Freeland
gwarrenfreeland@gmail.com
I am in support of bill 105 for the rebuilding of Lahaina. I oppose the amendment proposed by Council member Tamara Paltin.
Sincerely, Karen J Brumbaugh
As a Maui resident I very much support bill SB105. However I strongly oppose the proposed amendment to restrict previously existing legal transient vacation rentals from resuming business. Mahalo for helping Lahaina rebuild.
I have lived and worked in Lahaina for 39 years and been executive director of Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF) for 17 years. LRF is now in its 63rd year of preserving Lahaina’s historic sites and structures. Due to the fire, LRF will be restoring 8 historic Lahaina buildings, 5 of which we own, and 3 of which we manage.
Lahaina Restoration Foundation is in strong support of Bill 105.
The multitude of cultural and historic architectural influences in Lahaina town are what makes Lahaina -Lahaina. These “nonconformities” are what gives Lahaina its character, ambiance and unique sense of place. Let’s rebuild Lahaina’s buildings on the same footprint, with firesafe materials, following the design and look of the buildings that were destroyed in the fire.
This comment is in support of the original bill. We are not commenting on the amendment.
Mahalo,
Theo Morrison
Executive Director
Lahaina Restoration Foundation
theo@lahainarestoration.org
808-661-3262
We lost our home below the Hwy in lahaina during the fire. we support this bill so the people of Lahaina can rebuild what they had as soon as possible . We don’t not support the Paltin Amendment. We think having long term residents, businesses and short term guests all in the mix is good for the community and brings strength and vibrancy and jobs and wealth to the community. If we don’t rebuild soon Lahaina is in danger of become a patchwork waist land.
Thank you for all your hard work at this very very challenging time. We appreciate you.
Maui County Council
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning 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) COMMENTS
Aloha Councilmembers,
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony on Bill 105 (2024), which seeks to amend section 19.500.110 of the Maui County Code regarding nonconformities.
Airbnb supports the original intent of this bill, which is designed to offer flexibility and support for rebuilding structures damaged by disasters as proclaimed under Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes. This bill is pivotal for the recovery of our community, particularly in providing clear guidelines for the reconstruction of nonconforming structures and uses on Maui.
However, we are concerned about the proposed amendment, which would add subsection 19.500.110(G). This amendment stipulates that nonconforming transient vacation rental uses may not resume if they have been discontinued for 12 consecutive months or more due to damage or destruction from a disaster.
Our primary concern is the potential unintended consequences this amendment could have:
1. Impact on Community Support: Many property owners have generously converted their short-term rentals into long-term housing for Lahaina fire victims. This amendment could inadvertently penalize these individuals by preventing them from returning to short-term rental operations, which for many are crucial for financial sustainability especially after such a disaster.
2. Lack of Clarity: The amendment does not specify how it will be enforced or who exactly it will impact, potentially leading to confusion and possibly arbitrary application of the law.
3. Economic Recovery: The supplemental income from short-term rentals has been vital for local recovery. Restricting this could delay economic recovery in affected areas.
Airbnb, in collaboration with Airbnb.org and the Department of Human Services (DHS), has already facilitated approximately 3,000 individuals impacted by the Maui wildfires staying in local Airbnb listings, totaling more than 97,500 nights, demonstrating our commitment to disaster response. We worry that this amendment might discourage hosts from participating in such initiatives in future crises.
We strongly recommend that the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee reconsider this amendment. While we recognize and appreciate the intent to regulate transient vacation rentals, we believe the amendment as proposed could hinder rather than help the recovery process. This bill, with its core measures, is too important for the community's rebuilding efforts to be potentially delayed or complicated by counterproductive amendments.
We urge the committee to support the underlying measure of Bill 105 while carefully considering the implications of any amendments to ensure they align with the goal of recovery and community resilience.
Aloha Councilmembers of the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs and Planning Committee,
I fully support Bill 105 in its original form. I respectfully do not support the amendment proposed by Councilmember Paltin that would prevent non-conforming transient vacation rentals from resuming operations.
My name is Matt Moog, MD. I left my mainland practice and obtained my medical license and staff privileges at Maui Memorial in 2023. We sold our home in Wyoming that summer so we could make our permanent home in Puamana. We arrived to enroll my son in school August 6th, and lost everything two days later. My son and I are Lahaina fire survivors. Since my family had to rent Upcountry, we see every day Maui’s economy worsening since the fire. We’ve seen Maui’s doctors leaving for the mainland. Letting us rebuild Lahaina may not completely solve the housing shortage, but it’s a start. I spent my entire life working to pay for our destroyed townhome, and we haven’t gotten much hope that this waiting will end.
I can’t work in Maui without our house, and I know physicians on the mainland aren’t coming if they see what happens to homeowners there. We were going to live in our house in Lahaina, not rent it out, and we didn’t have a place on the shoreline. We just heard our entire neighborhood had its permitting shelved. Governor Newspme suspended all shoreline permit regulations while the LA fire was still burning. Rebuilding will demonstrate Maui is a safe place to trust a lifetime of sacrifices it takes to live here.
Passing bill 105 could help Maui’s housing, economy, and even doctor shortages right away. Or Maui county will go down with a sad history of burned out, scraped lots where Lahaina once drove Maui’s economy as a vibrant and historic place. Councilmember Paltin’s amendment will add more delay, and just hurt an economy that needs more jobs that support businesses, bring vacationers, and pay taxes. For that matter, the businesses of Lahaina need to rebuild before it’s too late, too, and we don’t need an amendment to make visitors and businesses feel less welcome. It’s a distraction from rebuilding our town.
Christina Peterson
Aloha members of the Disaster Recovery , International Affairs and Planning Committee
I fully support Bill 105 in its original form. This bill is essential to the recovery of Lahaina's homes and businesses, and it must be passed without exceptions.
Delays in permitting are crippling the rebuilding process and adding unnecessary stress and anxiety to fire victims who have already endured more than anyone can imagine. Bill 105 would provide a positive path forward, expediting the process, allowing us to restore the unique character of Lahaina. I lost both of my family homes that I have owned for over 45 years in the fire, and thankfully barely escaped through the flames and smoke to safety on the 8th August 2023, The current delays and uncertainties have affected my health in the current knowledge that there is no confirmed approved plan for me and other owners and businesses to rebuild.
I strongly urge you to pass Bill 105 as originally written, applying it to ALL business and homes without exceptions. Lahaina's recovery is vital to the passage of this Bill
Aloha Members of the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs and Planning Committee,
I fully support Bill 105 in its original form. I do NOT support the amendment proposed by Councilmember Paltin that would prevent non-conforming transient vacation rentals from resuming operations.
The STR’s provided revenue for the families that owned them to pay their mortgages etc. and to our County for the taxes collected. They are a vital part of our community and the economics of Maui County.
18 months of delays is unimaginable. The delays and uncertainties of rebuilding our home and our neighbors homes is devastating, creating unnecessary stress and anxiety. This bill is essential for the recovery of Lahaina’s properties, businesses, and community.
We lost our home in the fires. We lost neighbors, and friends. Our fire community has suffered enough. We need Lahaina town rebuilt. We need our homes rebuilt. We need to flourish again in our community.
Lahaina’s full recovery must be expedited. Please pass Bill 105 without the TVR amendment to ensure a deserving recovery for all of Lahaina!
I write to support Bill 105 (2024) but oppose the proposed amendment by Council Member Paltin. As an owner in the fire zone, I have seen the distress of my neighbors that have not yet been able to begin rebuilding their home or business. These homeowners and businesses are victims of a fire disaster and should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control. All fire victims need to be allowed to rebuild and use their properties as they were at the time of the Lahaina fires. This includes those that were short term rentals.
Please pass Bill 105 as originally written without amendment. This important bill provides a path forward and is essential for the emotional and financial well being of my neighbors and recovery for the entire Lahaina community.
February 5, 2025
Councilmember Tamara Paltin
Maui County Council
Kalana O Maui, 8th Floor
200 South High Street
Wailuku, Hawaiʻi 96793
Re: Councilmember Paltin’s Amendment to Bill 105 (2024)
Dear Chair Paltin, Vice Chair Uʻu Hodgins, and members of the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee,
On behalf of Expedia Group, a family of brands that includes Expedia.com, Hotels.com, and short-term rental leader Vrbo, I am writing to share comments on Bill 105 (2024) and Councilmember Tamara Paltin’s amendment that would disallow nonconforming transient vacation rental uses from resuming if the use was halted for twelve or more months because the unit was in a structure damaged or destroyed by fire.
This amendment would further penalize transient vacation rental owners and operators who are already struggling to recover from the devastating wildfires in 2023. This amendment would slow down recovery for not just short-term rental operators but all the auxiliary small businesses and economic activity that those rentals support.
Disallowing these short-term rentals is a significant, impactful proposal that requires thoughtful deliberation—carefully examining community and economic impacts. There is already legislation before County Council to contemplate disallowing or phasing out short-term rentals, so there is no need to interject an amendment into this bill.
Finally, Councilmember Paltin’s amendment could slow down this important legislation drafted to help Lahaina to rebuild. We urge you to reject Councilmember Paltin’s amendment and other attempts to disallow existing transient vacation rental uses.
Mahalo,
Mackenzie Chase
Regional Manager, Hawaiʻi
Expedia Group
Dear Council Members,
I support Bill 105 because Lahaina needs a fair path to rebuild, and this bill helps make that happen. However, I’m opposed to the Paltin Amendment, which would prevent short-term rental (STR) owners from the same rebuilding rights as others.
Many STR owners are local residents who depend on this income to stay in Maui. Excluding them could make it even harder for some families to recover. STRs also support the local economy—providing jobs, helping small businesses, and keeping money flowing into the community.
Lahaina’s recovery should be about rebuilding together. I ask you to pass Bill 105 without the Paltin Amendment so that all affected property owners have a fair chance to move forward.
Thank you
Please reject the amendment to this Bill
I oppose the amendment to Bill 105 proposed by Council-member Paltin.
Dear Councilmembers and Members of the Committee,
I oppose Councilmember Paltin's amendment to Bill 105 that would disallow a nonconforming transient vacation rental use from resuming if the use was discontinued for 12 months because the structure was damaged or destroyed. A person or family whose rental house/unit was destroyed or damaged has suffered enough. The Paltin amendment would only serve to punish these owners for a disaster that was far beyond their control. I support the rest of the bill, just not the amendment.
Thank you for your consideration.
My wife and I own property on Maui and strongly support the bill to provide necessary structural change to facilitate quicker rebuilding of beautiful Lahaina. Those devastated by the fire should have the full support of the Council for prompt rebuilding.
At the same time, we strongly OPPOSE the proposed amendment that unfairly targets short-term rentals. Owners of STRs provide vital employment to thousands within the community and they contribute vast tax revenues to the county, thereby supporting the community for all. There is no compelling reason to exclude STR owners from the overall goal of the bill.
Mahalo.
Dean and Tammy Sandow (Maui Kamaole G201)
We strongly support bill 105 to help small businesses, landowners and local families recover faster. Our one small building provided over $2,000,000 in wages to local families, artists and employees both on Maui and Oahu. As a small business and manufacturer it is so hard to live in Hawaii and the economic "utility" of Lahaina was the single best source or revenue for the "small guy" unlike Waikiki. Time is our "ENEMY". There is NO time for studies, or other delays. Local families are already leaving due to lack of quality jobs. So many benefited from this wonderful economic engine that had it own quaint vibe. Please support and pass bill 105. Mahalo!
I strongly support Bill 105 and urge the Maui County Council and the Mayor to approve Bill 105 so we can restore the historic diversity of Lahaina. Please pass this bill so we all can come home to a Lahaina that is more like it was before. The nonconformity of Lele made it attraction to everyone.
I am also a board member of Lahaina Restoration and our task to rebuild the historic buildings of Lahaina needs Bill 105 so we can honor the history of Lahaina.
Lahaina used to generate about 30% of the tax revenue for Maui County. Let’s rebuild our Lahaina so it can do that again and help all of us.
Mahalo for supporting and passing Bill 105.
I am in support of bill 105 but against the ammendment.
Dear Councilmembers and Members of the Committee,
As a Lahaina homeowner, I am writing in support of Bill 105, which is essential to the recovery and rebuilding of Lahaina. This bill provides critical measures that allow properties with nonconforming uses to rebuild after disasters, such as the devastating August 8th wildfire. Bill 105 would help create a clear path forward and is essential for the recovery of our residents, businesses, and community.
However, I oppose the amendment proposed by Councilmember Paltin. It’s unfair to single out one type of business, and fire victims should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
I urge the committee to pass Bill 105 as originally drafted and reject the proposed amendment.
Thank you for your consideration.
Aloha Chair Paltin and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in strong support of Bill 105.
My family is the fee simple owner of the Pioneer Inn property adjacent to Lahaina Harbor. The Pioneer Inn, which my great grandfather opened for business in 1901, was the oldest continuously operating hotel in Hawaii until it was destroyed in the August 8, 2023 wildfire. It was an integral part of Lahaina's history and community for 122 years. The hotel, restaurant, and retail businesses located at the Pioneer Inn provided hundreds of jobs. We hope that our property will be able to be rebuilt to its former scale, appearance, and use.
I appreciate the County drafting this bill. Approval of Bill 105 is necessary in order for Lahaina to be rebuilt in its historic, small-town character.
I urge the Council to support the rebuilding of historic Lahaina by passing Bill 105.
Mahalo,
G. Warren Freeland
gwarrenfreeland@gmail.com
I am in support of bill 105 for the rebuilding of Lahaina. I oppose the amendment proposed by Council member Tamara Paltin.
Sincerely, Karen J Brumbaugh
As a Maui resident I very much support bill SB105. However I strongly oppose the proposed amendment to restrict previously existing legal transient vacation rentals from resuming business. Mahalo for helping Lahaina rebuild.
Aloha Chair Paltin and HLUC Committee Members
I have lived and worked in Lahaina for 39 years and been executive director of Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF) for 17 years. LRF is now in its 63rd year of preserving Lahaina’s historic sites and structures. Due to the fire, LRF will be restoring 8 historic Lahaina buildings, 5 of which we own, and 3 of which we manage.
Lahaina Restoration Foundation is in strong support of Bill 105.
The multitude of cultural and historic architectural influences in Lahaina town are what makes Lahaina -Lahaina. These “nonconformities” are what gives Lahaina its character, ambiance and unique sense of place. Let’s rebuild Lahaina’s buildings on the same footprint, with firesafe materials, following the design and look of the buildings that were destroyed in the fire.
This comment is in support of the original bill. We are not commenting on the amendment.
Mahalo,
Theo Morrison
Executive Director
Lahaina Restoration Foundation
theo@lahainarestoration.org
808-661-3262
We lost our home below the Hwy in lahaina during the fire. we support this bill so the people of Lahaina can rebuild what they had as soon as possible . We don’t not support the Paltin Amendment. We think having long term residents, businesses and short term guests all in the mix is good for the community and brings strength and vibrancy and jobs and wealth to the community. If we don’t rebuild soon Lahaina is in danger of become a patchwork waist land.
Thank you for all your hard work at this very very challenging time. We appreciate you.
February 3, 2025
Maui County Council
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning 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) COMMENTS
Aloha Councilmembers,
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony on Bill 105 (2024), which seeks to amend section 19.500.110 of the Maui County Code regarding nonconformities.
Airbnb supports the original intent of this bill, which is designed to offer flexibility and support for rebuilding structures damaged by disasters as proclaimed under Chapter 127A, Hawaii Revised Statutes. This bill is pivotal for the recovery of our community, particularly in providing clear guidelines for the reconstruction of nonconforming structures and uses on Maui.
However, we are concerned about the proposed amendment, which would add subsection 19.500.110(G). This amendment stipulates that nonconforming transient vacation rental uses may not resume if they have been discontinued for 12 consecutive months or more due to damage or destruction from a disaster.
Our primary concern is the potential unintended consequences this amendment could have:
1. Impact on Community Support: Many property owners have generously converted their short-term rentals into long-term housing for Lahaina fire victims. This amendment could inadvertently penalize these individuals by preventing them from returning to short-term rental operations, which for many are crucial for financial sustainability especially after such a disaster.
2. Lack of Clarity: The amendment does not specify how it will be enforced or who exactly it will impact, potentially leading to confusion and possibly arbitrary application of the law.
3. Economic Recovery: The supplemental income from short-term rentals has been vital for local recovery. Restricting this could delay economic recovery in affected areas.
Airbnb, in collaboration with Airbnb.org and the Department of Human Services (DHS), has already facilitated approximately 3,000 individuals impacted by the Maui wildfires staying in local Airbnb listings, totaling more than 97,500 nights, demonstrating our commitment to disaster response. We worry that this amendment might discourage hosts from participating in such initiatives in future crises.
We strongly recommend that the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee reconsider this amendment. While we recognize and appreciate the intent to regulate transient vacation rentals, we believe the amendment as proposed could hinder rather than help the recovery process. This bill, with its core measures, is too important for the community's rebuilding efforts to be potentially delayed or complicated by counterproductive amendments.
We urge the committee to support the underlying measure of Bill 105 while carefully considering the implications of any amendments to ensure they align with the goal of recovery and community resilience.
Mahalo,
Alex Folsom
Senior Policy Manager
Aloha Councilmembers of the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs and Planning Committee,
I fully support Bill 105 in its original form. I respectfully do not support the amendment proposed by Councilmember Paltin that would prevent non-conforming transient vacation rentals from resuming operations.
My name is Matt Moog, MD. I left my mainland practice and obtained my medical license and staff privileges at Maui Memorial in 2023. We sold our home in Wyoming that summer so we could make our permanent home in Puamana. We arrived to enroll my son in school August 6th, and lost everything two days later. My son and I are Lahaina fire survivors. Since my family had to rent Upcountry, we see every day Maui’s economy worsening since the fire. We’ve seen Maui’s doctors leaving for the mainland. Letting us rebuild Lahaina may not completely solve the housing shortage, but it’s a start. I spent my entire life working to pay for our destroyed townhome, and we haven’t gotten much hope that this waiting will end.
I can’t work in Maui without our house, and I know physicians on the mainland aren’t coming if they see what happens to homeowners there. We were going to live in our house in Lahaina, not rent it out, and we didn’t have a place on the shoreline. We just heard our entire neighborhood had its permitting shelved. Governor Newspme suspended all shoreline permit regulations while the LA fire was still burning. Rebuilding will demonstrate Maui is a safe place to trust a lifetime of sacrifices it takes to live here.
Passing bill 105 could help Maui’s housing, economy, and even doctor shortages right away. Or Maui county will go down with a sad history of burned out, scraped lots where Lahaina once drove Maui’s economy as a vibrant and historic place. Councilmember Paltin’s amendment will add more delay, and just hurt an economy that needs more jobs that support businesses, bring vacationers, and pay taxes. For that matter, the businesses of Lahaina need to rebuild before it’s too late, too, and we don’t need an amendment to make visitors and businesses feel less welcome. It’s a distraction from rebuilding our town.
Christina Peterson
Aloha members of the Disaster Recovery , International Affairs and Planning Committee
I fully support Bill 105 in its original form. This bill is essential to the recovery of Lahaina's homes and businesses, and it must be passed without exceptions.
Delays in permitting are crippling the rebuilding process and adding unnecessary stress and anxiety to fire victims who have already endured more than anyone can imagine. Bill 105 would provide a positive path forward, expediting the process, allowing us to restore the unique character of Lahaina. I lost both of my family homes that I have owned for over 45 years in the fire, and thankfully barely escaped through the flames and smoke to safety on the 8th August 2023, The current delays and uncertainties have affected my health in the current knowledge that there is no confirmed approved plan for me and other owners and businesses to rebuild.
I strongly urge you to pass Bill 105 as originally written, applying it to ALL business and homes without exceptions. Lahaina's recovery is vital to the passage of this Bill
Mahalao for your time and consideration.
Sincerely
Christina Peterson
Aloha Members of the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs and Planning Committee,
I fully support Bill 105 in its original form. I do NOT support the amendment proposed by Councilmember Paltin that would prevent non-conforming transient vacation rentals from resuming operations.
The STR’s provided revenue for the families that owned them to pay their mortgages etc. and to our County for the taxes collected. They are a vital part of our community and the economics of Maui County.
18 months of delays is unimaginable. The delays and uncertainties of rebuilding our home and our neighbors homes is devastating, creating unnecessary stress and anxiety. This bill is essential for the recovery of Lahaina’s properties, businesses, and community.
We lost our home in the fires. We lost neighbors, and friends. Our fire community has suffered enough. We need Lahaina town rebuilt. We need our homes rebuilt. We need to flourish again in our community.
Lahaina’s full recovery must be expedited. Please pass Bill 105 without the TVR amendment to ensure a deserving recovery for all of Lahaina!
Sincerely,
Leah Johnston
Aloha Members of the Committee,
I write to support Bill 105 (2024) but oppose the proposed amendment by Council Member Paltin. As an owner in the fire zone, I have seen the distress of my neighbors that have not yet been able to begin rebuilding their home or business. These homeowners and businesses are victims of a fire disaster and should not be penalized for circumstances beyond their control. All fire victims need to be allowed to rebuild and use their properties as they were at the time of the Lahaina fires. This includes those that were short term rentals.
Please pass Bill 105 as originally written without amendment. This important bill provides a path forward and is essential for the emotional and financial well being of my neighbors and recovery for the entire Lahaina community.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Irene Miller