Aloha,
I strongly oppose Bill #9 for numerous reasons. Taking away of people's rights. Loss of an economic driver of Maui County. Condos are expensive, maintenance fees are high, buildings are aging and need repairs, lack of parking, no pet policies...... Small vacation rental condos were not intended for long term / residential living. Yes, we need more housing but, you are looking in the wrong place. If you destroy tourism what will replace the jobs it creates and the money it generates for Maui County. Please don't be reactionary, be responsible and OPPOSE Bill #9.
The Mayor talked about taxing and had no idea that even vacant properties which are allowed to be vacation rented are taxed at highest and best use. Please Mayor get your facts straight.
With Aloha,
A 47 year West Maui resident, who always votes. Laurie Lowson
The mayor originally wanted all 7000 LEGAL stvr because he thought they were built for workforce housing . Then he said he would be happy with even 500 units, then he said that it was more likely that there was only 2000 units that were built as workforce housing. The mayor has never had his numbers in order. My unit was built in 1969 for the use of second home and vacation homes as were most. The bill as written is severely flawed and put hotels over locals, splits us and divides us. Yes I live on Maui. It's been 2 years already, and you are just now hearing this bill and likely will be kicked down the road again. We don't need to take from others and yes trying to change the law is a taking and violates federal law. Look at tahoe as an example. The county could buy and build what's needed and we would have housing already. The other big issue is FEMA is out as of February. You need to refocus, kill this bill and start buying stvrs. There are many units for sale and many more willing to sell to help out the local community. This bill trying to take, puts you at odds with the very people who care so deeply about the community. That's why they bought, because they wanted to be apart of this beautiful community, they are the ones who donated millions to lahaina strong only to have that money used against them instead of building and buying existing housing for the locals.
We need housing now. Not in 5 years. This is the same old Maui
Greetings - I strongly oppose Bill 9. I understand that there is a need for more housing in Maui. But by passing this bill, so much more than housing will be impacted negatively. Local residents will be affected negatively in a number of ways. Tourism is essential for a healthy economy in Maui; by adding jobs, adding dollars and by providing support to local government programs, nonprofits, parks, etc. Common sense would seem to show that less tourist spending and less income from taxes paid by STR owners would negatively impact local people; jobs, businesses, government, etc. Also, as an example, a property such as Papakea is an excellent example of a property that should be excepted from this bill. It is set up basically as a hotel and, as I understand, has been for over 50 years creating jobs for local residents. There may be others that might be a better fit for this legislation, but I highly recommend voting against this bill and find alternative methods to create additional housing. Not passing this bill would avoid, most likely, lengthy legal battles and ill will for tourists, STR owners and create bad publicity for Maui and all of Hawaii. I understand that this should be what is best for people, especially local people. I don’t think that this is the solution. There must be a better option that would better serve the community. Thank you for considering to vote against Bill 9.
Rosa Menard
Please quickly and decisively put an end to this divisive and destructive bill. I own a small business in Kihei (no STR) and can clearly see that this will poison our economy and cause hardship for our residents for many years to come. Nothing is affordable if you lose your job. We have been fighting for survival through Covid, the Lahaina Fire, Bissen messaging, Trump messaging/tariffs, and now this Bill 9.
We need to get to work and focus our resources on improving education, growing businesses, and building housing our Maui residents can afford. Minatoya condos are 50-60 years old and need all kinds of capital improvements and repairs to things like redoing concrete, roofs, and iron pipes. Without STR and owners willing to dump a bunch of cash into the buildings they will fall apart. Bankrupting a bunch of owners who love Maui and increasing HOA fees of those left will make it impossible keep up with all the costly maintenance and special assessments. Did you know the fire insurance on these buildings went up 300% to 1000% since this bill was announced?
The winners of Bill 9 will be California investors who pick up distressed condos at firesale prices with the intention of leaving them empty when not on island. Nobody will pay 8% on a loan to buy these condos and rent them long term at $5000 to break even each month and not be able to come to Maui and stay in their unit. The unit will sit empty a large part of the year and permanently leave us without the high TAT, property tax and customers walking in the door. This will structurally wreck the economy and tax base while yielding no extra affordable units. The county will have to raise taxes on everyone else or Doge the county payroll all while having to support more unemployed residents.
I’m writing to express my opposition to the bill aimed at eliminating legal vacation rentals in Maui.
Many of the people affected by this are not large investors or corporations — they’re everyday folks who worked hard, saved, and bought a property to help support their family or supplement their retirement. These homeowners followed the rules. To take that away now is unfair and damaging.
Housing is absolutely needed, but this bill is not the right solution. It’s being driven more by emotion than logic. From an economic standpoint, it doesn’t make sense. Removing vacation rentals won’t automatically result in affordable housing — most of these properties aren’t priced or located for that.
This bill would hurt a lot of good people who are part of the Maui community and economy. Please consider a more balanced, thoughtful approach.
I would like to comment on the proposed Short Term Rental (STR) policy considered by Maui County. Firstly, I thank you for the opportunity you have given me to comment on the STR policy.
My wife and I have owned at Lokelani Condos since 1999. We started coming to Maui in1979 and have been coming every year since that first year. We now live in our unit for 4-4 1/2 months a year. The rest of the time we live in Minnesota near family. As we plan on staying on Maui for this period of time, it would be difficult for us to rent long term.
As an owner and president of the Lokelani AOAO, I have a few questions and statements for the committee.
1 - In 1971 when the construction of Lokelani Condos was completed, the by-laws stated a combination of short term, long term and residential use was allowed. The County of Maui approved these by-laws.
2 - Even though we are zoned A2, short term renters have been paying hotel real estate rates. It seems that when owners purchased their condos, they were to believe that zoning was correct.
3 - As owners who live in their condos for months, rentals are needed to help pay the mortgage, taxes and maintenance fees. In no way has our rentals shown huge profits.
4 - Property values will and have gone down as a result of the STR. Is the County taking this into consideration? Owners who have purchased units for nearly one million dollars or more can't stand the loss of value and can't generate enough long-term revenue to pay the mortgages.
5 - Will real estate tax rates go down to reflect loss of value and income?
6 - A few years back, as president of the AOAO, I had to fill out a form stating the use of every condo in our complex. I would think that all short term renters that were paying their TAT, GED taxes and the proper real restate taxes should not be punished by this proposal. Why not seek out the individuals who cheat the system and either have them go long term rental or pay their proper taxes.
7 - Has the County ever thought of putting a portion of the tourist taxes and increased real estate taxes in a separate fund to subsidize low-income housing?
I realize that Maui, like other areas across our country, have housing issues. But I believe there are other ways to solve the housing shortage.
Thank you again for considering my thoughts on the STR Policy.
James Bell, Lokelani Condos, B104
3383 L. Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina
I own a condo and employ a housekeeper. My guests eat at your restaurants, have a great time, and go home. Rental bookings are down and you will feel the economic impact soon. It will get much worse if you continue with this nonsense. You issued a permit. Stop issuing permits. it is that simple. You didn't care when you issued permits to 3/2 houses and now you have a housing shortage. No family wants to live in my one bedroom condo with one parking space. It is time to think logically and do math. You can't afford to lose more tourist revenue.
My name is Jeffrey Vallandingham and I’m a proud owner of a short-term rental property in Maui County. I strongly oppose the proposed legislation to phase out several thousand vacation rentals, a move that will have devastating effects on the local economy, small businesses, and the livelihoods of many families. We have worked tirelessly to be responsible, community oriented owners. My welcome guide features, local restaurants, tour guides and small businesses. All of whom directly benefit from the visitors I host. I employ local service providers, cleaners, landscapers, and maintenance workers many of whom have become like family over the years. we opened up our home to fire survivors in their time of need. Our guests frequently tell us that their connection to Maui and its traditions have deepen through their stay in our home, and they leave with a sense of appreciation for the lands culture and community. Many guests indicate they would not have visited Maui if a vacation rental had not been available because it is more affordable to visit. This speaks to the critical role that short-term rentals play in increasing tourism and supporting Maui’s economy. Owning this property, particularly in the aftermath of recent challenges, has not been without it struggles. Between skyrocket and maintenance cost special assessments and significant increases and insurance premiums. After the fires, the financial strain has been difficult. These are essential investments that ensure the property remain safe, functional, and welcoming for guest and residence alike. The income from this short term rental is what enables me to keep up with these escalating costs while continuing to support local workers who depend on my business. This proposal feels extremely rushed, one-sided, and failed to acknowledge the full scope of the economic and personal consequences. I implore the counsel to reconsider its approach and collaborate with owners like me to develop a solution. That balance is the need of the community, protect local jobs, and hold short term rental owners to high standards– without eliminating us altogether! Maui‘s vibrant economy relies on the tourism that short term rentals provide, but we also understand the need for regulation. Let’s work together to create a sustainable path forward – one that supports local businesses and residence who rely on tourism and also addressing the concerns of the community. We first visited Maui over 30 years ago and fell in love with this island. We dreamed that one day we would have the opportunity to become part of this community and have something to share with our children and grandchildren. That dream came true and now we are in a nightmare of possibly losing this home.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Mahalo
Jeffrey Vallandingham
jvham@live.com
7604023321
As a tourist and annual visitor to Maui, I oppose the STR ban. We have a Westin/Marriott timeshare week that we use every year, and generally add on a second week by staying in a short term rental, e.g. through AirBnb. We would never pay the exorbitant hotel rates for our second week, so we significantly value our ability to stay in a short term rental. We have also hosted our adult children and grandkids in Maui by renting a short term rental. Our vacation time in Maui will be cut in half, and therefore our spending would be cut in half if short term rentals are no longer available. We're also aware that many local people would lose jobs connected with servicing short term rentals, as well as loss of jobs for restaurant employees because there will be less eating out. Also, even if STR owners are not allowed to use their properties as short term rentals, that doesn't guarantee those units will become available for local residents to rent. It seems so much more logical to build apartment complexes and single family homes for local residents which would be in good proximity to schools and other community services. Such housing would be much more suitable for families than the majority of short term rental units. This is a harmful bill for Maui's economy and its people. Please vote no. Thank you.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members, I have been a full-time Maui resident since 2007. I raised my three children here. Today, they live in different parts of the world, but Maui remains our true home. My eldest daughter is a Lahaina fire survivor. She and my 2.5-year-old grandson were forced to move to the mainland because she couldn’t find stable childcare or work after the disaster. I continue to live on Maui, but I also spend time off-island caring for my elderly parents in Europe and helping my daughters. The only reason I can keep my home in Maui is because I’m able to short-term rent it while I’m away. When I bought this property, I did so with the understanding that short-term renting during my absences would allow me to afford a home in my own community. If Bill 9 passes, I will no longer be able to stay. I will be forced to leave the island permanently, and the idea of being separated from my Maui ‘ohana and the community I’ve loved and contributed to for nearly two decades is heartbreaking. This bill would also take away my children’s only connection to the place they were raised. Without access to our family home, they wouldn’t be able to afford to visit Maui. We are not tourists. This is our home, and this community is our anchor.
Please do not pass this bill without creating fair and balanced options for residents like me. People who live here, love this place, and are simply trying to hold on.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Aloha to the Maui County. My name is Michael Kimura and I live in Pearl City in Oahu. My wife and I have an STR (in a hotel & apartment zoned resort) in West Maui. We wish to express our opposition to this bill as this will not increase housing to the residents. Cost in maintaining a one bedroom apartment is way over reasonable long term rent. And having to dramatically decrease the amount of STRs will also significantly decrease the county's tax revenue. We ask for rationality and sensible consideration for the county to bring this ongoing issue to resolution, as this bill has caused instability to the island's economy.
We are Clark and Holley Richards and own Unit A204 at Hale Mahina. We are opposed to this bill. We appreciate the desire of Maui county to improve the housing crisis but feel this bill will not address the long standing issue of affordable housing. We fear the unintended consequences
would only make things worse for the locals. We strongly oppose this bill in its current form. We thank you so very much for your efforts and time and consideration.
Thank you
The Richards
I oppose this bill. I live on island full time and have for over 17 years. I am a small business owner in Wailea. Our small island has suffered enough. First with Covid shut down then the Lahaina fires. To throw something this illogical into the mix only hurts our island and our people. This touches so many lives in a negative way.
Dear members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
As a concerned property owner and member of our community, I urge you to support the Minatoya short-term rental (STR) phase-out. This policy is a necessary step toward restoring housing affordability and availability for residents.
Research shows that phasing out short-term rentals can reduce local rents by 6–14%, making a real difference for working families and individuals struggling with the high cost of living. In addition, it would free up much-needed housing inventory currently tied up in the STR market—units that could otherwise provide stable homes for long-term residents.
Renters are being priced out of the communities we work in and contribute to. Prioritizing housing for residents over tourists is a matter of fairness, sustainability, and economic stability.
Please stand with local residents and take action to support the Minatoya STR phase-out. Our community can’t afford to wait.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Council Members,
My name is Rosalie Heymanson, and I own a condo at The Ridge at Kapalua Resort. My late husband and I first purchased in 1990, drawn to the island’s beauty and the resort’s privacy, position and magnificent design.
I write to express my family’s concern about the proposed phase-out of short-term rentals and respectfully request that Kapalua be excluded.
We live in Australia and have cherished our Maui home for 35 years. Our family and friends have also become loyal Maui visitors, supporting local businesses and experiences we proudly recommended.
We've renovated our unit several times using local contractors and suppliers, even inspiring other homeowners to update theirs. Our cleaners and property manager are like family.
We were in Kapalua during the fires and saw the devastation firsthand. We placed our unit in the FEMA program to house a displaced local resident. This meant giving up our own visits—but it felt right to help in the best way we could.
However, we do believe Kapalua is not the answer for long-term housing:
• It was designed as a resort, not a residential community and lacks child-friendly spaces and family support services.
• There is limited occupancy, storage, parking, and pet restrictions
• It’s remote from job centers and transport
• It is not affordable housing, for purchase, or rental, for most local residents
Since my husband died in 2013, it has been more difficult for me to visit long term, but my family wish to return. Having a long-term tenant makes this virtually impossible. In addition, the very high AOAO dues (over $32,000/year), insurance, and assessments are making it increasingly difficult to keep the condo in our family. Having it sit vacant helps no one.
We are responsible, community-minded owners who love Maui deeply. Please consider a fair path forward—one that supports both residents and the many visitors who help sustain the West Maui economy.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rosalie Heymanson
The Ridge, Kapalua
wow...i read a lot of the comments that oppose Bill 9. Sadly majority of them were STR owners who were concerned for THEIR loss of income. our maui community has suffered long enough at the hands of off-island property owners. not only STRʻs but cash buyers that price LOCALS out of living where they have muliti-generational roots in the community. the almighty dollar has ruled the united states since the colonizers first appeared. indigenous peoples persecuted and marginalized, land stripped and stolen from them - including kanaka maoli. i support Bill 9 - itʻs a start. Please help our local community. Mahalo...
Aloha,
I strongly oppose Bill #9 for numerous reasons. Taking away of people's rights. Loss of an economic driver of Maui County. Condos are expensive, maintenance fees are high, buildings are aging and need repairs, lack of parking, no pet policies...... Small vacation rental condos were not intended for long term / residential living. Yes, we need more housing but, you are looking in the wrong place. If you destroy tourism what will replace the jobs it creates and the money it generates for Maui County. Please don't be reactionary, be responsible and OPPOSE Bill #9.
The Mayor talked about taxing and had no idea that even vacant properties which are allowed to be vacation rented are taxed at highest and best use. Please Mayor get your facts straight.
With Aloha,
A 47 year West Maui resident, who always votes. Laurie Lowson
The mayor originally wanted all 7000 LEGAL stvr because he thought they were built for workforce housing . Then he said he would be happy with even 500 units, then he said that it was more likely that there was only 2000 units that were built as workforce housing. The mayor has never had his numbers in order. My unit was built in 1969 for the use of second home and vacation homes as were most. The bill as written is severely flawed and put hotels over locals, splits us and divides us. Yes I live on Maui. It's been 2 years already, and you are just now hearing this bill and likely will be kicked down the road again. We don't need to take from others and yes trying to change the law is a taking and violates federal law. Look at tahoe as an example. The county could buy and build what's needed and we would have housing already. The other big issue is FEMA is out as of February. You need to refocus, kill this bill and start buying stvrs. There are many units for sale and many more willing to sell to help out the local community. This bill trying to take, puts you at odds with the very people who care so deeply about the community. That's why they bought, because they wanted to be apart of this beautiful community, they are the ones who donated millions to lahaina strong only to have that money used against them instead of building and buying existing housing for the locals.
We need housing now. Not in 5 years. This is the same old Maui
Greetings - I strongly oppose Bill 9. I understand that there is a need for more housing in Maui. But by passing this bill, so much more than housing will be impacted negatively. Local residents will be affected negatively in a number of ways. Tourism is essential for a healthy economy in Maui; by adding jobs, adding dollars and by providing support to local government programs, nonprofits, parks, etc. Common sense would seem to show that less tourist spending and less income from taxes paid by STR owners would negatively impact local people; jobs, businesses, government, etc. Also, as an example, a property such as Papakea is an excellent example of a property that should be excepted from this bill. It is set up basically as a hotel and, as I understand, has been for over 50 years creating jobs for local residents. There may be others that might be a better fit for this legislation, but I highly recommend voting against this bill and find alternative methods to create additional housing. Not passing this bill would avoid, most likely, lengthy legal battles and ill will for tourists, STR owners and create bad publicity for Maui and all of Hawaii. I understand that this should be what is best for people, especially local people. I don’t think that this is the solution. There must be a better option that would better serve the community. Thank you for considering to vote against Bill 9.
Rosa Menard
Please quickly and decisively put an end to this divisive and destructive bill. I own a small business in Kihei (no STR) and can clearly see that this will poison our economy and cause hardship for our residents for many years to come. Nothing is affordable if you lose your job. We have been fighting for survival through Covid, the Lahaina Fire, Bissen messaging, Trump messaging/tariffs, and now this Bill 9.
We need to get to work and focus our resources on improving education, growing businesses, and building housing our Maui residents can afford. Minatoya condos are 50-60 years old and need all kinds of capital improvements and repairs to things like redoing concrete, roofs, and iron pipes. Without STR and owners willing to dump a bunch of cash into the buildings they will fall apart. Bankrupting a bunch of owners who love Maui and increasing HOA fees of those left will make it impossible keep up with all the costly maintenance and special assessments. Did you know the fire insurance on these buildings went up 300% to 1000% since this bill was announced?
The winners of Bill 9 will be California investors who pick up distressed condos at firesale prices with the intention of leaving them empty when not on island. Nobody will pay 8% on a loan to buy these condos and rent them long term at $5000 to break even each month and not be able to come to Maui and stay in their unit. The unit will sit empty a large part of the year and permanently leave us without the high TAT, property tax and customers walking in the door. This will structurally wreck the economy and tax base while yielding no extra affordable units. The county will have to raise taxes on everyone else or Doge the county payroll all while having to support more unemployed residents.
Mahalo for your consideration.
To the Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
I’m writing to express my opposition to the bill aimed at eliminating legal vacation rentals in Maui.
Many of the people affected by this are not large investors or corporations — they’re everyday folks who worked hard, saved, and bought a property to help support their family or supplement their retirement. These homeowners followed the rules. To take that away now is unfair and damaging.
Housing is absolutely needed, but this bill is not the right solution. It’s being driven more by emotion than logic. From an economic standpoint, it doesn’t make sense. Removing vacation rentals won’t automatically result in affordable housing — most of these properties aren’t priced or located for that.
This bill would hurt a lot of good people who are part of the Maui community and economy. Please consider a more balanced, thoughtful approach.
Respectfully,
JB
I would like to comment on the proposed Short Term Rental (STR) policy considered by Maui County. Firstly, I thank you for the opportunity you have given me to comment on the STR policy.
My wife and I have owned at Lokelani Condos since 1999. We started coming to Maui in1979 and have been coming every year since that first year. We now live in our unit for 4-4 1/2 months a year. The rest of the time we live in Minnesota near family. As we plan on staying on Maui for this period of time, it would be difficult for us to rent long term.
As an owner and president of the Lokelani AOAO, I have a few questions and statements for the committee.
1 - In 1971 when the construction of Lokelani Condos was completed, the by-laws stated a combination of short term, long term and residential use was allowed. The County of Maui approved these by-laws.
2 - Even though we are zoned A2, short term renters have been paying hotel real estate rates. It seems that when owners purchased their condos, they were to believe that zoning was correct.
3 - As owners who live in their condos for months, rentals are needed to help pay the mortgage, taxes and maintenance fees. In no way has our rentals shown huge profits.
4 - Property values will and have gone down as a result of the STR. Is the County taking this into consideration? Owners who have purchased units for nearly one million dollars or more can't stand the loss of value and can't generate enough long-term revenue to pay the mortgages.
5 - Will real estate tax rates go down to reflect loss of value and income?
6 - A few years back, as president of the AOAO, I had to fill out a form stating the use of every condo in our complex. I would think that all short term renters that were paying their TAT, GED taxes and the proper real restate taxes should not be punished by this proposal. Why not seek out the individuals who cheat the system and either have them go long term rental or pay their proper taxes.
7 - Has the County ever thought of putting a portion of the tourist taxes and increased real estate taxes in a separate fund to subsidize low-income housing?
I realize that Maui, like other areas across our country, have housing issues. But I believe there are other ways to solve the housing shortage.
Thank you again for considering my thoughts on the STR Policy.
James Bell, Lokelani Condos, B104
3383 L. Honoapiilani Rd, Lahaina
I own a condo and employ a housekeeper. My guests eat at your restaurants, have a great time, and go home. Rental bookings are down and you will feel the economic impact soon. It will get much worse if you continue with this nonsense. You issued a permit. Stop issuing permits. it is that simple. You didn't care when you issued permits to 3/2 houses and now you have a housing shortage. No family wants to live in my one bedroom condo with one parking space. It is time to think logically and do math. You can't afford to lose more tourist revenue.
My name is Jeffrey Vallandingham and I’m a proud owner of a short-term rental property in Maui County. I strongly oppose the proposed legislation to phase out several thousand vacation rentals, a move that will have devastating effects on the local economy, small businesses, and the livelihoods of many families. We have worked tirelessly to be responsible, community oriented owners. My welcome guide features, local restaurants, tour guides and small businesses. All of whom directly benefit from the visitors I host. I employ local service providers, cleaners, landscapers, and maintenance workers many of whom have become like family over the years. we opened up our home to fire survivors in their time of need. Our guests frequently tell us that their connection to Maui and its traditions have deepen through their stay in our home, and they leave with a sense of appreciation for the lands culture and community. Many guests indicate they would not have visited Maui if a vacation rental had not been available because it is more affordable to visit. This speaks to the critical role that short-term rentals play in increasing tourism and supporting Maui’s economy. Owning this property, particularly in the aftermath of recent challenges, has not been without it struggles. Between skyrocket and maintenance cost special assessments and significant increases and insurance premiums. After the fires, the financial strain has been difficult. These are essential investments that ensure the property remain safe, functional, and welcoming for guest and residence alike. The income from this short term rental is what enables me to keep up with these escalating costs while continuing to support local workers who depend on my business. This proposal feels extremely rushed, one-sided, and failed to acknowledge the full scope of the economic and personal consequences. I implore the counsel to reconsider its approach and collaborate with owners like me to develop a solution. That balance is the need of the community, protect local jobs, and hold short term rental owners to high standards– without eliminating us altogether! Maui‘s vibrant economy relies on the tourism that short term rentals provide, but we also understand the need for regulation. Let’s work together to create a sustainable path forward – one that supports local businesses and residence who rely on tourism and also addressing the concerns of the community. We first visited Maui over 30 years ago and fell in love with this island. We dreamed that one day we would have the opportunity to become part of this community and have something to share with our children and grandchildren. That dream came true and now we are in a nightmare of possibly losing this home.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Mahalo
Jeffrey Vallandingham
jvham@live.com
7604023321
As a tourist and annual visitor to Maui, I oppose the STR ban. We have a Westin/Marriott timeshare week that we use every year, and generally add on a second week by staying in a short term rental, e.g. through AirBnb. We would never pay the exorbitant hotel rates for our second week, so we significantly value our ability to stay in a short term rental. We have also hosted our adult children and grandkids in Maui by renting a short term rental. Our vacation time in Maui will be cut in half, and therefore our spending would be cut in half if short term rentals are no longer available. We're also aware that many local people would lose jobs connected with servicing short term rentals, as well as loss of jobs for restaurant employees because there will be less eating out. Also, even if STR owners are not allowed to use their properties as short term rentals, that doesn't guarantee those units will become available for local residents to rent. It seems so much more logical to build apartment complexes and single family homes for local residents which would be in good proximity to schools and other community services. Such housing would be much more suitable for families than the majority of short term rental units. This is a harmful bill for Maui's economy and its people. Please vote no. Thank you.
Harmful bill for our economy and our future.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members, I have been a full-time Maui resident since 2007. I raised my three children here. Today, they live in different parts of the world, but Maui remains our true home. My eldest daughter is a Lahaina fire survivor. She and my 2.5-year-old grandson were forced to move to the mainland because she couldn’t find stable childcare or work after the disaster. I continue to live on Maui, but I also spend time off-island caring for my elderly parents in Europe and helping my daughters. The only reason I can keep my home in Maui is because I’m able to short-term rent it while I’m away. When I bought this property, I did so with the understanding that short-term renting during my absences would allow me to afford a home in my own community. If Bill 9 passes, I will no longer be able to stay. I will be forced to leave the island permanently, and the idea of being separated from my Maui ‘ohana and the community I’ve loved and contributed to for nearly two decades is heartbreaking. This bill would also take away my children’s only connection to the place they were raised. Without access to our family home, they wouldn’t be able to afford to visit Maui. We are not tourists. This is our home, and this community is our anchor.
Please do not pass this bill without creating fair and balanced options for residents like me. People who live here, love this place, and are simply trying to hold on.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Please find attached our testimony from Maui Vacation Rental Association.
Aloha to the Maui County. My name is Michael Kimura and I live in Pearl City in Oahu. My wife and I have an STR (in a hotel & apartment zoned resort) in West Maui. We wish to express our opposition to this bill as this will not increase housing to the residents. Cost in maintaining a one bedroom apartment is way over reasonable long term rent. And having to dramatically decrease the amount of STRs will also significantly decrease the county's tax revenue. We ask for rationality and sensible consideration for the county to bring this ongoing issue to resolution, as this bill has caused instability to the island's economy.
We are Clark and Holley Richards and own Unit A204 at Hale Mahina. We are opposed to this bill. We appreciate the desire of Maui county to improve the housing crisis but feel this bill will not address the long standing issue of affordable housing. We fear the unintended consequences
would only make things worse for the locals. We strongly oppose this bill in its current form. We thank you so very much for your efforts and time and consideration.
Thank you
The Richards
This Bill will destroy Maui’s economy and those that live and work here. Strongly oppose Bill 9!
I oppose this bill. I live on island full time and have for over 17 years. I am a small business owner in Wailea. Our small island has suffered enough. First with Covid shut down then the Lahaina fires. To throw something this illogical into the mix only hurts our island and our people. This touches so many lives in a negative way.
Dear members of the Housing and Land Use Committee,
As a concerned property owner and member of our community, I urge you to support the Minatoya short-term rental (STR) phase-out. This policy is a necessary step toward restoring housing affordability and availability for residents.
Research shows that phasing out short-term rentals can reduce local rents by 6–14%, making a real difference for working families and individuals struggling with the high cost of living. In addition, it would free up much-needed housing inventory currently tied up in the STR market—units that could otherwise provide stable homes for long-term residents.
Renters are being priced out of the communities we work in and contribute to. Prioritizing housing for residents over tourists is a matter of fairness, sustainability, and economic stability.
Please stand with local residents and take action to support the Minatoya STR phase-out. Our community can’t afford to wait.
Sincerely,
Nancy Milo
Kihei
Scott Jepson. I support bill 9 and canceling of the str permits.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Council Members,
My name is Rosalie Heymanson, and I own a condo at The Ridge at Kapalua Resort. My late husband and I first purchased in 1990, drawn to the island’s beauty and the resort’s privacy, position and magnificent design.
I write to express my family’s concern about the proposed phase-out of short-term rentals and respectfully request that Kapalua be excluded.
We live in Australia and have cherished our Maui home for 35 years. Our family and friends have also become loyal Maui visitors, supporting local businesses and experiences we proudly recommended.
We've renovated our unit several times using local contractors and suppliers, even inspiring other homeowners to update theirs. Our cleaners and property manager are like family.
We were in Kapalua during the fires and saw the devastation firsthand. We placed our unit in the FEMA program to house a displaced local resident. This meant giving up our own visits—but it felt right to help in the best way we could.
However, we do believe Kapalua is not the answer for long-term housing:
• It was designed as a resort, not a residential community and lacks child-friendly spaces and family support services.
• There is limited occupancy, storage, parking, and pet restrictions
• It’s remote from job centers and transport
• It is not affordable housing, for purchase, or rental, for most local residents
Since my husband died in 2013, it has been more difficult for me to visit long term, but my family wish to return. Having a long-term tenant makes this virtually impossible. In addition, the very high AOAO dues (over $32,000/year), insurance, and assessments are making it increasingly difficult to keep the condo in our family. Having it sit vacant helps no one.
We are responsible, community-minded owners who love Maui deeply. Please consider a fair path forward—one that supports both residents and the many visitors who help sustain the West Maui economy.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rosalie Heymanson
The Ridge, Kapalua
wow...i read a lot of the comments that oppose Bill 9. Sadly majority of them were STR owners who were concerned for THEIR loss of income. our maui community has suffered long enough at the hands of off-island property owners. not only STRʻs but cash buyers that price LOCALS out of living where they have muliti-generational roots in the community. the almighty dollar has ruled the united states since the colonizers first appeared. indigenous peoples persecuted and marginalized, land stripped and stolen from them - including kanaka maoli. i support Bill 9 - itʻs a start. Please help our local community. Mahalo...