I am a property owner in West Maui. I am very concerned about the negative impact this proposal will have on the economy and the work force on Maui. Many people are employed by and dependent on the short term rental business for their economic well–being. By limiting or eliminating short term rentals, many jobs will disappear, businesses will struggle and the economy will suffer. I strongly encourage you to reject the bill as written.
There are other options and ideas to provide affordable housing such as building more units or apartment buildings that are truly affordable for locals who are working. Managing/keeping short term or vacations rentals in areas deemed appropriate for such and keeping family neighborhoods limited to long term or family rentals is another way to address the housing situation.
Shutting down an entire industry that employs many area folks is not the answer here. I oppose this bill and hope that you will consider the negative impact this would have on the county economy and employment opportunities.
No one is standing-up for Kihei. Right now, Kihei’s small business employers are struggling, and closing. People are losing their jobs. Kihei is turning into a haven for homeless & off-shore retirees, who are watching, waiting for a market collapse.
Kihei’s micro economy has developed around the 5000 mostly small unit vacation rentals built in the 70’s. A vibrant community and economy that would have been able to carry the county’s economy after Lahaina’s died in the fire. As this testifier points out, we don’t have a replacement economy to continue to employ our residents. The Minatoya list properties, unlike the Westside, represent 30% of Kihei’s dwellings. Meaning 1/3 of the people occupying Kihei at any given time are visitors who come, enjoy and spend, then go home. What will Kihei look like without our transient neighbors? Depressed. Unmaintained. Vacant. Who will replace our spending 1/3? More homeless. Oh, and right wing retirees from red states who are waiting to take advantage of a preventable market collapse. They’ll pay those four figure HOA fees and drive their golf carts around imposing their ‘value systems’ on the rest of us left here.
And what has county government done to date?:
✅ approved exclusively luxury housing developments for decades.
✅ built roads without infrastructure that would allow water distribution Upcountry.
✅ built housing for the very lowest income earners but nothing for people who earn more than 60% AMI but still can’t afford homes here.
✅ NOTHING about enforcement of ILLEAGAL STR’s in our single family housing neighborhoods. (There are so many in my neighborhood ~ homes where working families actually want to live.)
✅ Put forward a budget 50% higher than in recent past. ($1.5billion ~ before the fire Maui’s budget was under $1billion) Where is that money going to come from?
✅ Skirted the formal tax process by artifically inflating property values in tax assessments.
Not a word of support for Kihei from any of the elected officials who represent Kihei. Tom Cook (councilmember), Terez Amato (state house), Angus McKelvey (state senate).
Who is standing up for Kihei now? As we watch the systemic purposeful economic destruction of Kihei, who/what is going to fill the economic void? More people will flee. The municipality cannot fill the employment void.
Our reliable, delightful seasonal Canadian Neighbors aren’t coming anymore and not JUST because of 51st state issues. They site prevelance of homelessness, steep tax increases, unmaintained parks and the loud undercurrent of intolerance that has infected our messaging in places like Substack & Reddit. Where’s the marketing campaign to refute that vocal minority who don’t want people to come visit and spend on Maui?
I feel betrayed by elected officials who are ignoring and truly don’t care about how this misguided anti-tourism proposal will kill Kihei. We will lose at least one supermarket ~ hopefully Times or Safeway and not Foodland. We’ll lose Ace Hardware. How quaint we’ll feel having to drive to town to get keys made.
It’s time to speak-up for Kihei. The Council is hearing this bill Monday, carefully scheduled far away from an election season. Councilmembers who don’t care about Kihei are supporting this measure.
I beseech our Council not to sacrifice Kihei because they have not done the right work for the last 2 decades. All of the numbers and stats sited by UHERO are global, no one acknowledges the impact this will have on Kihei. It’s economic community assassination.
I have been a visitor to Maui for over 20 years (was married on Napili Bay in 2004 and fell in love with the island). Since that time, I have made many local friends on the island and have heard first hand from these locals how a short term rental ban will negatively affect their local business (whether that be a restaurant, cleaning or tour business, etc.). Since the introduction of the potential short term rental ban and negative visitor press that followed, I know that local business' have already suffered great losses from the decrease in tourism. This will only be amplified if the short term rental ban is passed. Maui is a very expensive place to visit, and without short term rentals to make it more affordable, tourism will drop significantly and local business' will suffer. Furthermore, affordable housing for locals is not found at short term rental properties, nor are those properties conducive to raising families (they lack storage, parking and a sense of community). My hope is that Maui council will allocate funds and land to build appropriate housing for the locals that need it, while keeping legal short term rentals to bring in dollars that local business' and residents rely on to make a living.
As a single teacher on Maui, I am struggling to make ends meet. I recognize there are teacher apartments being built in Lahaina but there is a very limited amount and they won't be done for years. For the past 2 years I have been driving from Makawao to Lahaina to work at King Kamehameha III Elementary School. The apartments in Honokowai and other Lahaina areas are essential for people who reside on Maui.
I realize tourists have their own money to make, but it should not be at the expense of the residents who can barely make ends meet.
Teachers are/have been recruited from the Philippines to fill in the vacancies because of the cost of living in Hawaii. As for myself, I drive 1.5 hours each way to get to work (many times it is longer when there are accidents on the roads), simply because the tourists have more priorities than the workers.
Please help out our residents before the tourists. Tourists can buy condos in other vacation destinations, but we only have what is here. Do the right thing and ban AT LEAST the Minatoya properties.
Aloha and thank you for taking the time to read and consider my testimony.
I am an owner at the Grand Champions Villas in Wailea.
Wailea was designed and built as Maui's second "Master Planned Resort Community". Being a resort community means that it has amenities that cater to visitors seeking a resort experience, not locals looking for residential/neighborhood life. In Wailea, there are no schools, no grocery stores, no gas stations and no infrastructure to support a healthy neighborhood experience for people to raise families. There are basically only golf courses, expensive hotels and other amenities and businesses that cater to visitors.
If the goal of phasing out short-term rentals in the apartment district is to make condo units available to local residents for long-term occupancy, then it doesn't seem reasonable to phase out condos in a South Maui resort community that are expensive to buy, expensive to operate, expensive to maintain and which do not lend themselves to long term family living.
Looking forward to Minatoya units coming back online for residents. Potential dip in prices would be most helpful for local people, including myself, to finally be able to afford to purchase a condo to live in or if market gets flooded with longterm rentals = lower rents. Maui section 8 believes a 1 bedroom should be under $2000 a month, let’s get there!
My name is Leighton Paul. I am a retired high-school teacher and administrator with 31 years in education, with service as a combat pilot in the Vietnam conflict. A homeowner, I live in the oceanfront Kauhale Makai condominium apartment in Kihei that my wife and I purchased in 1982 for our retirement. I am writing in opposition to Bill 9 as currently presented.
A stated goal of the bill is to improve the availability of residential housing on Maui. As individual projects on the Minatoya List vary in their suitability to be successful and attractive to buyers and renters as residential-only housing, I believe that Bill 9, as presented, is too much one-size-fits-all. The fit with Kauhale Makai is poor, as I see it, due to sky-high assessed valuations for oceanfront condos, along with a lack of expansion potential for its small tourist-oriented units and one-car-per-unit parking.
The configuration of Kauhale Makai was designed and locked-in with a building permit from Maui County in the early 1970s. The project is located oceanfront, its tourist-hotel-like features now fixed in place permanently with steel rebar cemented into concrete ceilings and floors, and rebar-reinforced cinder-block walls. It has only half the parking space currently required for the apartment zone. The units were configured not for full-time residence, but instead for tourists living out of suitcases. Considering its limiting configuration, along with high oceanfront purchase prices, I think it has very meager chances of effectively contributing to the housing goals of Bill 9.
By treating all Minatoya List properties as though they are potential solutions to Maui's residential housing shortage, Bill 9 is too broad, in my view. The bill is one-size fits all, but the properties affected are in very different locations, with varying histories, designs, and potentials. Prior to receiving approval, each property involved went through a Maui County process that looked at its individual circumstances, merits and potential drawbacks, and obtained its specific building permit. Since a stated goal of Bill 9 is to help relieve Maui's housing shortage for residents, I think it is necessary that the decision process be more granular – before forcing ALL Minatoya-List properties to stop short-term rentals, we should be taking an honest look at each individual property's chances of success as a residential-only property.
I view Bill 9 as highly disruptive to the continued economic viability of Kauhale Makai and its neighboring oceanfront apartment-zoned properties, without resulting in a corresponding balancing contribution to Maui's housing needs. Bill 9 would also negatively impact the current service industry handling and servicing the demands of short-term rentals.
I was pleased to see that a delay in implementation is proposed. If Bill 9 passes, I hope that Maui County will use that time to put together a process for Minatoya List properties to individually apply to either continue their grandfathering, or to become re-zoned as hotels.
Fairness demands an individual look each project’s design and economics for success as a residential-only operation, before such a drastic step is taken.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this critical issue. My name is Jim Walsh, and I have been a resident of Maui County for 35 years. I am also the owner of a short-term rental property here on Maui.
Over the years, my wife and I have been deeply involved in our community. I’ve served as the past Chair of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, where supporting small businesses has been a core focus of mine. I’ve also been part of the local sports community, coaching youth soccer and basketball, and active in our faith community, where my wife and I led the youth group at our Upcountry church for many years.
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation aimed at phasing out the short-term vacation rental (STVR) industry. My concerns are rooted in both the potential economic impacts and the broader implications for our community.
1. The Housing Crisis is More Complex Than STVRs
Blaming Maui's housing crisis solely on the 7,000 units listed on the Minatoya list oversimplifies a deeply complex issue. Factors such as the Jones Act and decades of restrictive development laws have had a far more significant impact on housing affordability and supply. The STVR industry is being unfairly scapegoated in this discussion.
2. Economic Impact Will Be Severe
Numerous economic studies have shown that eliminating the STVR industry would result in substantial revenue losses to both the County and State. We've talked for years about diversifying Hawai‘i's economy, but those efforts have stalled repeatedly, largely due to regulatory burdens that have made Hawai‘i one of the most difficult states in which to do business.
3. Questionable Suitability of Units for Long-Term Residents
A comprehensive study should be conducted to determine whether local residents would even want to live in these units. Many of them are small, with one or two bedrooms, limited parking, and insufficient storage—factors that don’t align with the needs of local families.
4. Reaction to Lahaina Fire Should Be Thoughtful, Not Reactionary
While the Lahaina tragedy rightly calls for bold action, this legislation feels like a knee-jerk response rather than a measured solution. The properties on the Minatoya list were originally designated to allow short-term rentals, and altering that now could have serious unintended consequences for the local economy.
If this legislation is passed, Maui County risks significant job losses, economic decline, and diminished government revenues—at a time when stability and thoughtful planning are more important than ever.
In conclusion, I respectfully urge the Council to reject this proposed legislation.
June 5, 2025
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Carol Koepke Tu’ua and I have been blessed to live on Maui for over 30 years now. I'm a full-time resident, have been involved in the visitor industry for over 37 years with the last 31 years in Lahaina and the Westside, managing short term /vacation rental condominiums. I want to share what this proposed phase-out of short-term rentals could mean for friends and families like mine and the people we work with every day.
My business, Kahana Sunset, primarily depends on visitors who stay in short-term/vacation rentals. Many of our guests return year after year, supporting local restaurants, shops, and love our island as if it is their own. Some have actually become extended family because of these special connections and love of Maui. If these rentals are forced to go away and vacation elsewhere, we will lose these repeat visitors, and with them, a huge part of what keeps many of us employed.
I also employ 4 local workers — folks who rely on this work to take care of their families. We’re not just talking about numbers. These are real people — my neighbors, my family, my friends — who are going to be hit hard if these jobs disappear. Most of my staff have second jobs, directly visitor related, that they count on to support their families. All have multi generations living together under the same roof.
This phase-out feels like it’s targeting the very people who are trying to make it here and those who are trying to make a difference - local families doing our best to stay afloat. I understand there are concerns about housing, and I agree we need real solutions. But taking away our income without a clear plan just makes things harder.
We need the County to protect our families and coworkers on every front — not just in housing, but in employment, education, services, safety, and economic opportunity. We need a balanced approach, not one that removes critical sources of income and support.
Please, don’t move forward with this phase-out. Work with us. Listen to us. Let’s find a way that protects our jobs, preserves our communities, and helps Maui thrive for everyone’s sake
Mahalo for your time and for listening to our stories.
Wrong time even if the bill is perfect! Why not use the donated money and extra taxes paid by STR for the county to PURCHASE residential dwelling for folks who lost their homes to the fires. Prices are now much better! You can subsidize their rent or assist in purchasing them back from the county. That would be actually helpful instead of punishing law-abiding citizens who create tremendous economic activity. The owners' lawsuits for the "take" will further drain county resources so again, not solving the issue.
As a member of the short term rentals workforce, I am submitting this statement on behalf of all of us who may be severely impacted by the decision to eliminate a substantial amount of the ST rentals on Maui. I lost my former career when Covid closures forced my offices to close, and pivoted into property management believing it was a safer and more secure industry. The chaos caused by the politics of the last two years has created more trauma and more damage to our already fragile community and extended community. There must be a more sensible, gentle, and wiser solution to the issues we face. Thank you for considering the decision carefully.
I own a short-term rental property at the Ridge in Kapalua. I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals. My wife and our other two partners have owned this property over 10 years and have always been responsible and community-oriented owners. We have worked digilently to utilize all local and available service providers, and to use or personally recommend all restaraunts, tour guides etc. to our guests and family. Witnessing the diminished tourism on the island is alarming, as is the marked change in the unemployment rate especially since the Lahaina fire. The potential negative impact on small businesses on the island is as concerning.
It is apparent to all who have seriously considered this proposal ban, that the legislation will have a deleterious effect on jobs, necessary income to support the island especially from reduced tourism and taxes, and it could further force many people to unfortunately leave the island altogether. This legislation is also being proposed at a time when annual expenses for owners of like units are faced with unheard of increases in property taxes, insurance, and special assessments. Annual expenses for the above are exceeding $32,000.
We urge the committee to either oppose the ban on STR's or exempt Kapalua and like resorts and recognize that these resorts have been incredibly beneficial to the island's economy and well-being. And the intended use in Kapalua has always been STR.
Although we certainly recognize the need for more affordable housing on Maui, this proposal will not be the answer. There are many other avenues being pursued and recommended that appear more viable and beneficial. The answer lies elsewhere.
Lastly, it is imperative that you also understand how personal and devastating it was to all who witnessed the fire in Lahaina. The rallying around in support of the victims of the fire came from many diverse individuals, including people like us who not only donated financial resources, but volunteered in distribution centers and the like. There is much loyalty and support - STR ownership is simply not about profit.
I urge the Council to find a fair and balanced approach forward, one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to the highest standard, instead of phasing us out completely. Again please do not approve the proposal, and at the very least exclude the Kapalua Resort from any STR ban.
Mahalo for your time, service and consideration,
Robert J. Fraschetti
100 Ridge road, #2223
Lahaina
My name is Dean Iraha and I am was born and raised on Oahu but moved to Maui with my wife in 2015. I am 74 years old and have seen so many changes through the years. Although I understand very well the problem of inadequate affordable housing, I am hoping that a resolution of this ongoing problem of lack of affordable housing can be resolved without impacting the economy. My wife is a cleaning service owner who cleans and maintains condos in the Maalaea area. My wife's work provides a big portion of our household income. Cleaning of condos in Maalaea is from short term rentals and without the need for our service, it will put a tremendous burden on us. Please consider the effect of doing away with short term rentals as it will severely effect the economy and loss of taxes. Mahalo and Aloha.
Aloha-I do support the strategy of limiting and prohibiting any increase in vacation rentals on Maui where we have seen too much tourism. However, please do not destroy the current economic ecosystem on the west side. Businesses are already struggling, Lahaina will need so much economic development, and the areas on the west and south side have already seen a dramatic decline in property values due to the fire, etc. Many businesses, locals, employees and homeowners have come to rely on STRs over the years in order to survive on Maui. It is impossible to go back 30 years in time. We must deal with economic realities and also be sensitive to historic Hawaiian Aina. This bill will have many more negative impacts than those trying to correct the crimes and mistakes of the past. Too many good folks and businesses will be destroyed by this legislation and not achieve the benefits which are hoped for. Mahalo, Peter Hobart
My name is Erwin, and I’m a homeowner in Maui County who offers short-term accommodations. I’m here today not just as a property owner, but as someone who believes in thoughtful, inclusive policymaking.
The proposed legislation to eliminate thousands of vacation rentals raises serious concerns—not only for those of us who operate them, but for the broader community that benefits from them. This isn’t just about property rights; it’s about livelihoods, local partnerships, and the ripple effects on small businesses.
Short-term rentals have allowed me to invest in the island in meaningful ways. I’ve built long-standing relationships with local vendors, service providers, and tradespeople—people whose work keeps these homes safe, clean, and welcoming. These are not faceless transactions; they’re part of a local ecosystem that thrives when we all do our part.
I also want to highlight the flexibility STRs offer. They accommodate families, remote workers, and long-stay visitors who might not otherwise come. These guests often stay longer, spend more, and engage more deeply with the community. That’s not just tourism—it’s sustainable, experience-driven travel that supports local culture.
We’ve weathered a lot—fires, rising costs, and insurance challenges. STR income has helped us stay afloat, reinvest in our properties, and continue supporting local jobs. Removing that support without a clear, collaborative transition plan feels abrupt and counterproductive.
I urge the Council to pause and engage with stakeholders—owners, workers, and residents—to shape a policy that balances community needs with economic resilience. Let’s work together on solutions that elevate standards, ensure accountability, and preserve the spirit of Maui.
Testimony of Stephen and Teresa Metague, residents of Kihei, Maui, June 5, 2025
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
My wife and I are registered voters who live in Kihei, Maui. We also own a condo in West Maui which we purchased in 2002. We strongly oppose Bill 9. The bill should be rejected in its entirety.
While the housing shortage on Maui is real, this Bill is not a good solution. Condos such as ours have only one parking spot and no street parking nearby, no pets allowed, very little storage, and washers and dryers are not allowed in units because of the old plumbing system. In short, they were built for the purpose of short-term rentals. The UHERO study has forecast significant negative impacts on the community (loss of jobs, loss of tax revenue, loss of business to the local economy, etc.). For these reasons alone we urge the Committee to reject this proposed legislation.
However, if the Committee moves this Bill forward it should be amended to explicitly exclude rental properties, such as Mahina Surf, that were from the outset and never designed or used as worker housing.
We purchased a condo at Mahina Surf in West Maui in 2002. We and our family have enjoyed staying at the condo for the last 23 years. We have also offered short-term rentals for the last 23 years.
We have had many guests and many repeat visitors who support our local businesses and contribute to the community. They return year after year because they have created wonderful and lasting memories.
We have a guest book at the condo. Our guests leave notes expressing their love for our condo, their love for Maui, and they recommend places to shop and dine in the local community. They also rent beach gear and take tours and excursions from local companies.
Does the County Council want to turn these guests away? It will hurt the local economy, result in loss of jobs, and is a wrong-headed solution to the housing crisis.
The only winners if this legislation passes are the large hotel owners who vigorously support the Bill and are eager to eliminate condo competition, enhance their profits and take those profits off island.
Unlike the condo guests I have hosted in the last 23 years, many hotel guests never or rarely leave their hotel property, as they dine at the hotel, use hotel beach equipment and even shop in hotel boutiques and sundry shops.
Condos used as short-term rentals provide jobs to the local community. At Mahina Surf, there are 56 condo units. We employ many local residents, many of them small business owners: receptionists, gardeners and maintenance crews, pest control, and tree trimmers. As individual owners we hire local handymen, plumbers, carpenters and painters. We buy carpeting, tile, appliances and supplies locally.
Further, if the Council believes by banning short term rentals, those properties will magically solve the housing crisis, I urge the Council members run the numbers. Do you really think condos such as the one I own is affordable to our local citizens most in need? The HOA alone exceeds $2,000 / mo. Add the cost of a mortgage, utilities, property tax and insurance and only most well-off individuals could afford the monthly costs.
If you think the solution to “the HOA fees are too high” and the new owners can just cut back on gardening and pool maintenance, think again. Most of this HOA fee is to satisfy bank loans. In the 54 years since the wood frame Mahina Surf was built, it has had to have a lengthy and long-lasting major maintenance. Most recently in 2024-25, a $6 million loan was needed to restore the structures which had deteriorated to the point where stairs and lanais would soon no longer be safe. Many of the Minatoya list properties are also quite aged and will need the same kind of major maintenance, which requires permits and special assessments which will drive up HOA fees.
It is time to kill Bill 9 entirely. Ever since it was introduced by Mayor Bissen it has divided the community. Bill 9 is designed to take property from one group of local residents and give that property to another group of local residents. Any time you take property (by intentionally devaluing their property by 30% or more) and give it to another group (make it available at below market prices), you divide the community. I have never seen the tension in Maui as high as it is right now. The Mayor has divided the community, it is time to start healing.
Finally, if for any reason the Committee would like to move the bill forward, it should, at a minimum be amended to exclude units that were built and designed for the purpose of short term rentals and never designed or used as workforce housing. And the Bill should be clear that any units that are banned from continued short term rental should, on the same date, no longer be classified as short term rentals for property tax purposes. They should be automatically classified according to the owner’s intended use (as second home, long term rental, or other) for property tax treatment.
Good evening.
We have owned a 2 bdr unit at Nohonani since 2019. Since then, our property taxes increased from $6000 per year to $15000 currently, and they are rising again. All because we have no vote on this issue. We feel exploited. We provide a rental unit that provides the county with considerable income from TAT, the sales tax applied to purchases by our tenents, our property taxes, and from our own use. We spent a considerable sum upgrading our condo using local contractors and suppliers. Now we're being punished because we rent to visitors. Whose spending the county depends upon.
Nohonani was not built as an apartment complex. The units are too small for families. There is only one parking spot per unit available. No pets are allowed. Our combined mortgage, maintenance fees, and property taxes exceeds $7000 per month. What local employee/family can afford a rental rate of over $7000 per month? Which local employee/family can afford to buy our unit for over $900,000?
In what rational world are ocean front condos considered affordable housing? Why hasn't open space on the lower slopes of Haleakula been opened up for development?
If the UofH survey conclusions come true, you won't need as much housing when the county sees thousands of employees leave due to the loss of hundreds of businesses.
At the same time, if this bill is passed, how will the county make up the loss of funds due to lower property taxes on these apartments and condos? Raise assessments even higher?
Be prepared for a massive number of challenges to assessment valuations. Even now, how can the county justify current valuations when there have no sales of the units on the Minatoya list in well over a year? There are well over 500+ 2 bdr units on that list currently for sale, and no buyers. Even with owners dropping prices (and still not low enough for locals to afford), no units are moving. This should be a sign that even when owners lower the price, locals aren't buying. Owners will refuse to sell at a loss. Many will refuse to rent out long term when the locals can't afford to even pay a rental rate that would cover mortgage, maint. fees, and association dues costs. And don't forget the special assessments from associations to pay for ongoing maint. We recently had to pay over $1 million to repair the spalling on our lanais. That had to be spread out among 28 unit owners. These are 50+ year old buildings that will have more and more maintenance issues surfacing in the next decade or two. Will new local owners or renters be able to pay their share?
Our own decision is that we won't sell, nor will we rent to long term rentals. It's not why we bought the unit. If this bill passes, we can absorb the increased costs, using the unit for ourselves, family, and friends. We will apply for the lower property tax rate based on a non owner occupied dwelling, and also apply for a lower assessment based on the fact that the unit is no longer a rental unit. How much income will that cost the county.
The county of Maui is creating their own fiscal hurricane with this action. It is our opinion that the county leadership promoting this bill has little to no experience in the rental nor tourism industry. They are operating based on their feelings, and not on fiscal facts and reality. I urge the committee to reject this bill and find alternative means to provide housing to the residents of Maui. Thank you. David and Joyce Henry
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Othmar Klay, the proud father of a daughter, who wanted and got a destination Wedding on Maui. We brought a Party the size of 50 people to Maui Kamaole. We loved it so much, we bought a Unit in Maui Kamaole.
So, I'm writing to you my strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out short term vacation rentals.
Coming back to the wedding, it wouldn't happen, Hotels were too expensive for our budget, neither would we have bought the Condo.
Since that time (10 years) we contributed to the local economy thru employment, Taxes, lots of it and repeat happy visitors.
Who would want to change that? Not an easy task and for the work I thank you, but your vote will possibly impact a generation to come.
Let's keep the Aloha spirit going.
Mahalo,
Othmar Klay
I am a property owner in West Maui. I am very concerned about the negative impact this proposal will have on the economy and the work force on Maui. Many people are employed by and dependent on the short term rental business for their economic well–being. By limiting or eliminating short term rentals, many jobs will disappear, businesses will struggle and the economy will suffer. I strongly encourage you to reject the bill as written.
There are other options and ideas to provide affordable housing such as building more units or apartment buildings that are truly affordable for locals who are working. Managing/keeping short term or vacations rentals in areas deemed appropriate for such and keeping family neighborhoods limited to long term or family rentals is another way to address the housing situation.
Shutting down an entire industry that employs many area folks is not the answer here. I oppose this bill and hope that you will consider the negative impact this would have on the county economy and employment opportunities.
No one is standing-up for Kihei. Right now, Kihei’s small business employers are struggling, and closing. People are losing their jobs. Kihei is turning into a haven for homeless & off-shore retirees, who are watching, waiting for a market collapse.
Kihei’s micro economy has developed around the 5000 mostly small unit vacation rentals built in the 70’s. A vibrant community and economy that would have been able to carry the county’s economy after Lahaina’s died in the fire. As this testifier points out, we don’t have a replacement economy to continue to employ our residents. The Minatoya list properties, unlike the Westside, represent 30% of Kihei’s dwellings. Meaning 1/3 of the people occupying Kihei at any given time are visitors who come, enjoy and spend, then go home. What will Kihei look like without our transient neighbors? Depressed. Unmaintained. Vacant. Who will replace our spending 1/3? More homeless. Oh, and right wing retirees from red states who are waiting to take advantage of a preventable market collapse. They’ll pay those four figure HOA fees and drive their golf carts around imposing their ‘value systems’ on the rest of us left here.
And what has county government done to date?:
✅ approved exclusively luxury housing developments for decades.
✅ built roads without infrastructure that would allow water distribution Upcountry.
✅ built housing for the very lowest income earners but nothing for people who earn more than 60% AMI but still can’t afford homes here.
✅ NOTHING about enforcement of ILLEAGAL STR’s in our single family housing neighborhoods. (There are so many in my neighborhood ~ homes where working families actually want to live.)
✅ Put forward a budget 50% higher than in recent past. ($1.5billion ~ before the fire Maui’s budget was under $1billion) Where is that money going to come from?
✅ Skirted the formal tax process by artifically inflating property values in tax assessments.
Not a word of support for Kihei from any of the elected officials who represent Kihei. Tom Cook (councilmember), Terez Amato (state house), Angus McKelvey (state senate).
Who is standing up for Kihei now? As we watch the systemic purposeful economic destruction of Kihei, who/what is going to fill the economic void? More people will flee. The municipality cannot fill the employment void.
Our reliable, delightful seasonal Canadian Neighbors aren’t coming anymore and not JUST because of 51st state issues. They site prevelance of homelessness, steep tax increases, unmaintained parks and the loud undercurrent of intolerance that has infected our messaging in places like Substack & Reddit. Where’s the marketing campaign to refute that vocal minority who don’t want people to come visit and spend on Maui?
I feel betrayed by elected officials who are ignoring and truly don’t care about how this misguided anti-tourism proposal will kill Kihei. We will lose at least one supermarket ~ hopefully Times or Safeway and not Foodland. We’ll lose Ace Hardware. How quaint we’ll feel having to drive to town to get keys made.
It’s time to speak-up for Kihei. The Council is hearing this bill Monday, carefully scheduled far away from an election season. Councilmembers who don’t care about Kihei are supporting this measure.
I beseech our Council not to sacrifice Kihei because they have not done the right work for the last 2 decades. All of the numbers and stats sited by UHERO are global, no one acknowledges the impact this will have on Kihei. It’s economic community assassination.
Desperate to save Kihei,
Tina Wildberger
I have been a visitor to Maui for over 20 years (was married on Napili Bay in 2004 and fell in love with the island). Since that time, I have made many local friends on the island and have heard first hand from these locals how a short term rental ban will negatively affect their local business (whether that be a restaurant, cleaning or tour business, etc.). Since the introduction of the potential short term rental ban and negative visitor press that followed, I know that local business' have already suffered great losses from the decrease in tourism. This will only be amplified if the short term rental ban is passed. Maui is a very expensive place to visit, and without short term rentals to make it more affordable, tourism will drop significantly and local business' will suffer. Furthermore, affordable housing for locals is not found at short term rental properties, nor are those properties conducive to raising families (they lack storage, parking and a sense of community). My hope is that Maui council will allocate funds and land to build appropriate housing for the locals that need it, while keeping legal short term rentals to bring in dollars that local business' and residents rely on to make a living.
As a single teacher on Maui, I am struggling to make ends meet. I recognize there are teacher apartments being built in Lahaina but there is a very limited amount and they won't be done for years. For the past 2 years I have been driving from Makawao to Lahaina to work at King Kamehameha III Elementary School. The apartments in Honokowai and other Lahaina areas are essential for people who reside on Maui.
I realize tourists have their own money to make, but it should not be at the expense of the residents who can barely make ends meet.
Teachers are/have been recruited from the Philippines to fill in the vacancies because of the cost of living in Hawaii. As for myself, I drive 1.5 hours each way to get to work (many times it is longer when there are accidents on the roads), simply because the tourists have more priorities than the workers.
Please help out our residents before the tourists. Tourists can buy condos in other vacation destinations, but we only have what is here. Do the right thing and ban AT LEAST the Minatoya properties.
Mahalo,
Gina Jones
Aloha and thank you for taking the time to read and consider my testimony.
I am an owner at the Grand Champions Villas in Wailea.
Wailea was designed and built as Maui's second "Master Planned Resort Community". Being a resort community means that it has amenities that cater to visitors seeking a resort experience, not locals looking for residential/neighborhood life. In Wailea, there are no schools, no grocery stores, no gas stations and no infrastructure to support a healthy neighborhood experience for people to raise families. There are basically only golf courses, expensive hotels and other amenities and businesses that cater to visitors.
If the goal of phasing out short-term rentals in the apartment district is to make condo units available to local residents for long-term occupancy, then it doesn't seem reasonable to phase out condos in a South Maui resort community that are expensive to buy, expensive to operate, expensive to maintain and which do not lend themselves to long term family living.
Thank you for your consideration.
This Bill will bankrupt Maui!
I strongly oppose!!!!
Looking forward to Minatoya units coming back online for residents. Potential dip in prices would be most helpful for local people, including myself, to finally be able to afford to purchase a condo to live in or if market gets flooded with longterm rentals = lower rents. Maui section 8 believes a 1 bedroom should be under $2000 a month, let’s get there!
My name is Leighton Paul. I am a retired high-school teacher and administrator with 31 years in education, with service as a combat pilot in the Vietnam conflict. A homeowner, I live in the oceanfront Kauhale Makai condominium apartment in Kihei that my wife and I purchased in 1982 for our retirement. I am writing in opposition to Bill 9 as currently presented.
A stated goal of the bill is to improve the availability of residential housing on Maui. As individual projects on the Minatoya List vary in their suitability to be successful and attractive to buyers and renters as residential-only housing, I believe that Bill 9, as presented, is too much one-size-fits-all. The fit with Kauhale Makai is poor, as I see it, due to sky-high assessed valuations for oceanfront condos, along with a lack of expansion potential for its small tourist-oriented units and one-car-per-unit parking.
The configuration of Kauhale Makai was designed and locked-in with a building permit from Maui County in the early 1970s. The project is located oceanfront, its tourist-hotel-like features now fixed in place permanently with steel rebar cemented into concrete ceilings and floors, and rebar-reinforced cinder-block walls. It has only half the parking space currently required for the apartment zone. The units were configured not for full-time residence, but instead for tourists living out of suitcases. Considering its limiting configuration, along with high oceanfront purchase prices, I think it has very meager chances of effectively contributing to the housing goals of Bill 9.
By treating all Minatoya List properties as though they are potential solutions to Maui's residential housing shortage, Bill 9 is too broad, in my view. The bill is one-size fits all, but the properties affected are in very different locations, with varying histories, designs, and potentials. Prior to receiving approval, each property involved went through a Maui County process that looked at its individual circumstances, merits and potential drawbacks, and obtained its specific building permit. Since a stated goal of Bill 9 is to help relieve Maui's housing shortage for residents, I think it is necessary that the decision process be more granular – before forcing ALL Minatoya-List properties to stop short-term rentals, we should be taking an honest look at each individual property's chances of success as a residential-only property.
I view Bill 9 as highly disruptive to the continued economic viability of Kauhale Makai and its neighboring oceanfront apartment-zoned properties, without resulting in a corresponding balancing contribution to Maui's housing needs. Bill 9 would also negatively impact the current service industry handling and servicing the demands of short-term rentals.
I was pleased to see that a delay in implementation is proposed. If Bill 9 passes, I hope that Maui County will use that time to put together a process for Minatoya List properties to individually apply to either continue their grandfathering, or to become re-zoned as hotels.
Fairness demands an individual look each project’s design and economics for success as a residential-only operation, before such a drastic step is taken.
Sincerely,
Leighton L Paul
Aloha Chair and Members of the Council,
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this critical issue. My name is Jim Walsh, and I have been a resident of Maui County for 35 years. I am also the owner of a short-term rental property here on Maui.
Over the years, my wife and I have been deeply involved in our community. I’ve served as the past Chair of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, where supporting small businesses has been a core focus of mine. I’ve also been part of the local sports community, coaching youth soccer and basketball, and active in our faith community, where my wife and I led the youth group at our Upcountry church for many years.
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation aimed at phasing out the short-term vacation rental (STVR) industry. My concerns are rooted in both the potential economic impacts and the broader implications for our community.
1. The Housing Crisis is More Complex Than STVRs
Blaming Maui's housing crisis solely on the 7,000 units listed on the Minatoya list oversimplifies a deeply complex issue. Factors such as the Jones Act and decades of restrictive development laws have had a far more significant impact on housing affordability and supply. The STVR industry is being unfairly scapegoated in this discussion.
2. Economic Impact Will Be Severe
Numerous economic studies have shown that eliminating the STVR industry would result in substantial revenue losses to both the County and State. We've talked for years about diversifying Hawai‘i's economy, but those efforts have stalled repeatedly, largely due to regulatory burdens that have made Hawai‘i one of the most difficult states in which to do business.
3. Questionable Suitability of Units for Long-Term Residents
A comprehensive study should be conducted to determine whether local residents would even want to live in these units. Many of them are small, with one or two bedrooms, limited parking, and insufficient storage—factors that don’t align with the needs of local families.
4. Reaction to Lahaina Fire Should Be Thoughtful, Not Reactionary
While the Lahaina tragedy rightly calls for bold action, this legislation feels like a knee-jerk response rather than a measured solution. The properties on the Minatoya list were originally designated to allow short-term rentals, and altering that now could have serious unintended consequences for the local economy.
If this legislation is passed, Maui County risks significant job losses, economic decline, and diminished government revenues—at a time when stability and thoughtful planning are more important than ever.
In conclusion, I respectfully urge the Council to reject this proposed legislation.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
June 5, 2025
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Carol Koepke Tu’ua and I have been blessed to live on Maui for over 30 years now. I'm a full-time resident, have been involved in the visitor industry for over 37 years with the last 31 years in Lahaina and the Westside, managing short term /vacation rental condominiums. I want to share what this proposed phase-out of short-term rentals could mean for friends and families like mine and the people we work with every day.
My business, Kahana Sunset, primarily depends on visitors who stay in short-term/vacation rentals. Many of our guests return year after year, supporting local restaurants, shops, and love our island as if it is their own. Some have actually become extended family because of these special connections and love of Maui. If these rentals are forced to go away and vacation elsewhere, we will lose these repeat visitors, and with them, a huge part of what keeps many of us employed.
I also employ 4 local workers — folks who rely on this work to take care of their families. We’re not just talking about numbers. These are real people — my neighbors, my family, my friends — who are going to be hit hard if these jobs disappear. Most of my staff have second jobs, directly visitor related, that they count on to support their families. All have multi generations living together under the same roof.
This phase-out feels like it’s targeting the very people who are trying to make it here and those who are trying to make a difference - local families doing our best to stay afloat. I understand there are concerns about housing, and I agree we need real solutions. But taking away our income without a clear plan just makes things harder.
We need the County to protect our families and coworkers on every front — not just in housing, but in employment, education, services, safety, and economic opportunity. We need a balanced approach, not one that removes critical sources of income and support.
Please, don’t move forward with this phase-out. Work with us. Listen to us. Let’s find a way that protects our jobs, preserves our communities, and helps Maui thrive for everyone’s sake
Mahalo for your time and for listening to our stories.
Sincerely,
Carol Koepke Tu’ua
Kahana Sunset AOAO
Kahanasunsetaoao@gmail.com
(808) 669 - 8011
Wrong time even if the bill is perfect! Why not use the donated money and extra taxes paid by STR for the county to PURCHASE residential dwelling for folks who lost their homes to the fires. Prices are now much better! You can subsidize their rent or assist in purchasing them back from the county. That would be actually helpful instead of punishing law-abiding citizens who create tremendous economic activity. The owners' lawsuits for the "take" will further drain county resources so again, not solving the issue.
I strongly oppose this bill
Aloha,
As a member of the short term rentals workforce, I am submitting this statement on behalf of all of us who may be severely impacted by the decision to eliminate a substantial amount of the ST rentals on Maui. I lost my former career when Covid closures forced my offices to close, and pivoted into property management believing it was a safer and more secure industry. The chaos caused by the politics of the last two years has created more trauma and more damage to our already fragile community and extended community. There must be a more sensible, gentle, and wiser solution to the issues we face. Thank you for considering the decision carefully.
Concerned
Kihei, Hawaii 96753
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
I own a short-term rental property at the Ridge in Kapalua. I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals. My wife and our other two partners have owned this property over 10 years and have always been responsible and community-oriented owners. We have worked digilently to utilize all local and available service providers, and to use or personally recommend all restaraunts, tour guides etc. to our guests and family. Witnessing the diminished tourism on the island is alarming, as is the marked change in the unemployment rate especially since the Lahaina fire. The potential negative impact on small businesses on the island is as concerning.
It is apparent to all who have seriously considered this proposal ban, that the legislation will have a deleterious effect on jobs, necessary income to support the island especially from reduced tourism and taxes, and it could further force many people to unfortunately leave the island altogether. This legislation is also being proposed at a time when annual expenses for owners of like units are faced with unheard of increases in property taxes, insurance, and special assessments. Annual expenses for the above are exceeding $32,000.
We urge the committee to either oppose the ban on STR's or exempt Kapalua and like resorts and recognize that these resorts have been incredibly beneficial to the island's economy and well-being. And the intended use in Kapalua has always been STR.
Although we certainly recognize the need for more affordable housing on Maui, this proposal will not be the answer. There are many other avenues being pursued and recommended that appear more viable and beneficial. The answer lies elsewhere.
Lastly, it is imperative that you also understand how personal and devastating it was to all who witnessed the fire in Lahaina. The rallying around in support of the victims of the fire came from many diverse individuals, including people like us who not only donated financial resources, but volunteered in distribution centers and the like. There is much loyalty and support - STR ownership is simply not about profit.
I urge the Council to find a fair and balanced approach forward, one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to the highest standard, instead of phasing us out completely. Again please do not approve the proposal, and at the very least exclude the Kapalua Resort from any STR ban.
Mahalo for your time, service and consideration,
Robert J. Fraschetti
100 Ridge road, #2223
Lahaina
My name is Dean Iraha and I am was born and raised on Oahu but moved to Maui with my wife in 2015. I am 74 years old and have seen so many changes through the years. Although I understand very well the problem of inadequate affordable housing, I am hoping that a resolution of this ongoing problem of lack of affordable housing can be resolved without impacting the economy. My wife is a cleaning service owner who cleans and maintains condos in the Maalaea area. My wife's work provides a big portion of our household income. Cleaning of condos in Maalaea is from short term rentals and without the need for our service, it will put a tremendous burden on us. Please consider the effect of doing away with short term rentals as it will severely effect the economy and loss of taxes. Mahalo and Aloha.
Aloha-I do support the strategy of limiting and prohibiting any increase in vacation rentals on Maui where we have seen too much tourism. However, please do not destroy the current economic ecosystem on the west side. Businesses are already struggling, Lahaina will need so much economic development, and the areas on the west and south side have already seen a dramatic decline in property values due to the fire, etc. Many businesses, locals, employees and homeowners have come to rely on STRs over the years in order to survive on Maui. It is impossible to go back 30 years in time. We must deal with economic realities and also be sensitive to historic Hawaiian Aina. This bill will have many more negative impacts than those trying to correct the crimes and mistakes of the past. Too many good folks and businesses will be destroyed by this legislation and not achieve the benefits which are hoped for. Mahalo, Peter Hobart
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Erwin, and I’m a homeowner in Maui County who offers short-term accommodations. I’m here today not just as a property owner, but as someone who believes in thoughtful, inclusive policymaking.
The proposed legislation to eliminate thousands of vacation rentals raises serious concerns—not only for those of us who operate them, but for the broader community that benefits from them. This isn’t just about property rights; it’s about livelihoods, local partnerships, and the ripple effects on small businesses.
Short-term rentals have allowed me to invest in the island in meaningful ways. I’ve built long-standing relationships with local vendors, service providers, and tradespeople—people whose work keeps these homes safe, clean, and welcoming. These are not faceless transactions; they’re part of a local ecosystem that thrives when we all do our part.
I also want to highlight the flexibility STRs offer. They accommodate families, remote workers, and long-stay visitors who might not otherwise come. These guests often stay longer, spend more, and engage more deeply with the community. That’s not just tourism—it’s sustainable, experience-driven travel that supports local culture.
We’ve weathered a lot—fires, rising costs, and insurance challenges. STR income has helped us stay afloat, reinvest in our properties, and continue supporting local jobs. Removing that support without a clear, collaborative transition plan feels abrupt and counterproductive.
I urge the Council to pause and engage with stakeholders—owners, workers, and residents—to shape a policy that balances community needs with economic resilience. Let’s work together on solutions that elevate standards, ensure accountability, and preserve the spirit of Maui.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Erwin
Testimony of Stephen and Teresa Metague, residents of Kihei, Maui, June 5, 2025
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
My wife and I are registered voters who live in Kihei, Maui. We also own a condo in West Maui which we purchased in 2002. We strongly oppose Bill 9. The bill should be rejected in its entirety.
While the housing shortage on Maui is real, this Bill is not a good solution. Condos such as ours have only one parking spot and no street parking nearby, no pets allowed, very little storage, and washers and dryers are not allowed in units because of the old plumbing system. In short, they were built for the purpose of short-term rentals. The UHERO study has forecast significant negative impacts on the community (loss of jobs, loss of tax revenue, loss of business to the local economy, etc.). For these reasons alone we urge the Committee to reject this proposed legislation.
However, if the Committee moves this Bill forward it should be amended to explicitly exclude rental properties, such as Mahina Surf, that were from the outset and never designed or used as worker housing.
We purchased a condo at Mahina Surf in West Maui in 2002. We and our family have enjoyed staying at the condo for the last 23 years. We have also offered short-term rentals for the last 23 years.
We have had many guests and many repeat visitors who support our local businesses and contribute to the community. They return year after year because they have created wonderful and lasting memories.
We have a guest book at the condo. Our guests leave notes expressing their love for our condo, their love for Maui, and they recommend places to shop and dine in the local community. They also rent beach gear and take tours and excursions from local companies.
Does the County Council want to turn these guests away? It will hurt the local economy, result in loss of jobs, and is a wrong-headed solution to the housing crisis.
The only winners if this legislation passes are the large hotel owners who vigorously support the Bill and are eager to eliminate condo competition, enhance their profits and take those profits off island.
Unlike the condo guests I have hosted in the last 23 years, many hotel guests never or rarely leave their hotel property, as they dine at the hotel, use hotel beach equipment and even shop in hotel boutiques and sundry shops.
Condos used as short-term rentals provide jobs to the local community. At Mahina Surf, there are 56 condo units. We employ many local residents, many of them small business owners: receptionists, gardeners and maintenance crews, pest control, and tree trimmers. As individual owners we hire local handymen, plumbers, carpenters and painters. We buy carpeting, tile, appliances and supplies locally.
Further, if the Council believes by banning short term rentals, those properties will magically solve the housing crisis, I urge the Council members run the numbers. Do you really think condos such as the one I own is affordable to our local citizens most in need? The HOA alone exceeds $2,000 / mo. Add the cost of a mortgage, utilities, property tax and insurance and only most well-off individuals could afford the monthly costs.
If you think the solution to “the HOA fees are too high” and the new owners can just cut back on gardening and pool maintenance, think again. Most of this HOA fee is to satisfy bank loans. In the 54 years since the wood frame Mahina Surf was built, it has had to have a lengthy and long-lasting major maintenance. Most recently in 2024-25, a $6 million loan was needed to restore the structures which had deteriorated to the point where stairs and lanais would soon no longer be safe. Many of the Minatoya list properties are also quite aged and will need the same kind of major maintenance, which requires permits and special assessments which will drive up HOA fees.
It is time to kill Bill 9 entirely. Ever since it was introduced by Mayor Bissen it has divided the community. Bill 9 is designed to take property from one group of local residents and give that property to another group of local residents. Any time you take property (by intentionally devaluing their property by 30% or more) and give it to another group (make it available at below market prices), you divide the community. I have never seen the tension in Maui as high as it is right now. The Mayor has divided the community, it is time to start healing.
Finally, if for any reason the Committee would like to move the bill forward, it should, at a minimum be amended to exclude units that were built and designed for the purpose of short term rentals and never designed or used as workforce housing. And the Bill should be clear that any units that are banned from continued short term rental should, on the same date, no longer be classified as short term rentals for property tax purposes. They should be automatically classified according to the owner’s intended use (as second home, long term rental, or other) for property tax treatment.
Thank you,
Steve and Teresa Metague
Good evening.
We have owned a 2 bdr unit at Nohonani since 2019. Since then, our property taxes increased from $6000 per year to $15000 currently, and they are rising again. All because we have no vote on this issue. We feel exploited. We provide a rental unit that provides the county with considerable income from TAT, the sales tax applied to purchases by our tenents, our property taxes, and from our own use. We spent a considerable sum upgrading our condo using local contractors and suppliers. Now we're being punished because we rent to visitors. Whose spending the county depends upon.
Nohonani was not built as an apartment complex. The units are too small for families. There is only one parking spot per unit available. No pets are allowed. Our combined mortgage, maintenance fees, and property taxes exceeds $7000 per month. What local employee/family can afford a rental rate of over $7000 per month? Which local employee/family can afford to buy our unit for over $900,000?
In what rational world are ocean front condos considered affordable housing? Why hasn't open space on the lower slopes of Haleakula been opened up for development?
If the UofH survey conclusions come true, you won't need as much housing when the county sees thousands of employees leave due to the loss of hundreds of businesses.
At the same time, if this bill is passed, how will the county make up the loss of funds due to lower property taxes on these apartments and condos? Raise assessments even higher?
Be prepared for a massive number of challenges to assessment valuations. Even now, how can the county justify current valuations when there have no sales of the units on the Minatoya list in well over a year? There are well over 500+ 2 bdr units on that list currently for sale, and no buyers. Even with owners dropping prices (and still not low enough for locals to afford), no units are moving. This should be a sign that even when owners lower the price, locals aren't buying. Owners will refuse to sell at a loss. Many will refuse to rent out long term when the locals can't afford to even pay a rental rate that would cover mortgage, maint. fees, and association dues costs. And don't forget the special assessments from associations to pay for ongoing maint. We recently had to pay over $1 million to repair the spalling on our lanais. That had to be spread out among 28 unit owners. These are 50+ year old buildings that will have more and more maintenance issues surfacing in the next decade or two. Will new local owners or renters be able to pay their share?
Our own decision is that we won't sell, nor will we rent to long term rentals. It's not why we bought the unit. If this bill passes, we can absorb the increased costs, using the unit for ourselves, family, and friends. We will apply for the lower property tax rate based on a non owner occupied dwelling, and also apply for a lower assessment based on the fact that the unit is no longer a rental unit. How much income will that cost the county.
The county of Maui is creating their own fiscal hurricane with this action. It is our opinion that the county leadership promoting this bill has little to no experience in the rental nor tourism industry. They are operating based on their feelings, and not on fiscal facts and reality. I urge the committee to reject this bill and find alternative means to provide housing to the residents of Maui. Thank you. David and Joyce Henry
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Othmar Klay, the proud father of a daughter, who wanted and got a destination Wedding on Maui. We brought a Party the size of 50 people to Maui Kamaole. We loved it so much, we bought a Unit in Maui Kamaole.
So, I'm writing to you my strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out short term vacation rentals.
Coming back to the wedding, it wouldn't happen, Hotels were too expensive for our budget, neither would we have bought the Condo.
Since that time (10 years) we contributed to the local economy thru employment, Taxes, lots of it and repeat happy visitors.
Who would want to change that? Not an easy task and for the work I thank you, but your vote will possibly impact a generation to come.
Let's keep the Aloha spirit going.
Mahalo,
Othmar Klay