Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose that the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude Papakea Oceanfront Resort which the County has historically identified as having A2-H2 zoning.
Background on Papakea
Papakea was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties.
Papakea owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years.
Papakea has never been workforce housing so Papakea is not an example of a property that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Papakea are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking.
Papakea is not in a residential neighborhood and is located alongside a long stretch of hotel-zoned properties and directly adjacent to multiple commercially-zoned properties.
Unlike apartment buildings designed for long-term residential use, Papakea has a front desk, an activity concierge, shared activity space, and numerous other common resort amenities.
Owners purchased condos at Papakea with the reasonable expectation that short-term rentals were legal based on ordinances as far back as 1989, and as recent as 2022.
In reliance on the Maui County ordinances and published documents, Hawaii state law, and constitutional protections, owners invested in costly renovations, furnishings, and long-term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of short-term rental right offensive of each buyer’s investment-backed expectations.
Papakea’s Contributions to the Community
Papakea’s resort operations provide full-time, benefited, employment for 35 local resident employees; some have worked at the property for over 17 years; some started in entry-level positions and worked into supervisory roles.
Papakea supports a wide variety of local trade professionals including pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, tile and flooring, fitness instructors, entertainers, and tree trimming.
Individual Owner Contributions to the Community
Many small businesses owned and operated by local residents from the Maui community rely on Papakea short-term rentals including housekeepers, handymen, on-island agents, and contractors. These service providers set their own rates, work hours, select their own clients, work conditions and standard operating procedures. Shutting down short-term rentals at Papakea means telling local entrepreneurs that worked hard to build a small business that they need to just go get a job somewhere else to make less money, have less flexibility, and be subject to oppressive corporate policies.
Papakea STRs support the State of Hawaii and County of Maui through payment of property taxes (many at the short-term rental rate), Transient Accommodations Tax, General Excise Tax, and Maui County Transient Accommodations Tax.
Papakea guests support many small businesses on the island including restaurants, food trucks, tour operators, activities, state parks, the national park, and shops.
Papakea owners and guests regularly participate in community activities including volunteering at beach cleanups, Maui Humane Society, the hospital, and many other local organizations, and contribute to local philanthropic nd cultural efforts.
I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Jon M. Wimber
3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Apartment K-102
My name is Rob Gagnon, and I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today with profound concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out over 7,000 vacation rentals. This legislation will not just impact my investment but will have a ripple effect, negatively impacting my family, our cherished guests, and the dedicated individuals who manage and provide vital services for my property.
I have always strived to be a responsible and community-focused owner. My welcome guide highlights local gems – restaurants, tour guides, and hidden treasures of Maui. I take pride in employing local service providers, including cleaners, maintenance technicians, and landscapers, who have become an extension of my family. My guests consistently share that their experience staying in my home allowed them a deeper, more authentic connection to the island, enriching their visit in ways a hotel simply could not.
Many of my guests have specifically chosen Maui because of the availability of vacation rentals, indicating they might not have visited otherwise. Their patronage is not just felt by me but extends to the many small businesses they support throughout their stay.
Owning in this property has been fraught with challenges, especially recently. We have navigated substantial maintenance costs, special assessments, and the sharp rise in insurance rates after the devastating fires. These are essential costs, ensuring the property remains safe and welcoming, and the income from STR helps to cover these while simultaneously supporting local employment.
This proposed legislation feels hasty and overlooks the intricate ecosystem that vacation rentals support. I implore the Council to collaborate with responsible owners like myself to develop a balanced and equitable solution. One that safeguards local jobs, bolsters the economy, ensures high operational standards for STRs, and avoids the sweeping consequences of a total phase-out. This legislation threatens the fabric of our community, impacting families, visitors, and the workforce.
Mahalo for your time and earnest consideration of these matters.
My name is Neha Pyle, and I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
I’ve have been a very responsible and community-oriented owner. My family was deeply saddened by the wildfires that destroyed our beloved Lahaina, and we have done our part, giving back to the community by offering our unit as housing to a family that was displaced, and forgoing short term rental income for over a year now (and still going). We could have charged multiples in rent over the past year but felt it was the right thing to do to help our island ohana.
Over the past several years, we have developed meaningful relationships with locals that depend on our guests for security of their jobs and income. I recommend local restaurants and tour guides in my welcome guide. We employ local service providers — cleaners, maintenance techs, and landscapers — many of whom we have become very close to.
My guests often leave Maui saying they were thankful for the opportunity to rent our property, felt more connected, and will (and already have) 100% return to the island because of the personal experience they had in my home. This results in recurring income for residents of the community that service the vacation rentals and the guests that occupy them.
It is sad to say, but many visitors cannot afford the rates of the large vacation-oriented resorts that more often than not, charge upwards of $600/night. Short-term options like individual units are the only way that they can afford to visit the island. That matters a great deal to all the small businesses they support during their stay. It is not possible for large resorts to employ ALL of the service workers that would lose their jobs if short term vacation rentals became unavailable.
Owning in our complex includes financial burdens. We pay extensive maintenance/repair costs, special assessments, and massive increases in insurance after the fires. These are not optional expenses, and are costs that ensure the property remains safe, functional, and appealing.
STR income helps cover those costs while supporting local workers. Eliminating short term rental cash flow eliminates the ability to pay rising costs to maintain the properties and ultimately support the local community.
This legislation feels rushed, one-sided, and based on the heightened emotions that were felt immediately following the Lahaina fire. I urge the Council to work with owners like me to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Neha Pyle
nehapyle@yahoo.com
The need for housing is primary for locals and residents that want to become permanent, such as workers. The phase out of STR's in apartment zoned area's is good, it isn't a total removal of STR's. If STR's aren't limited, Maui is going to be over run with vacationers and the local culture and environment permanently damaged. I own a STR, it is not my source of lively hood and I have no objection to eliminating those in apartment area's. BUT, this also needs to address Timeshare units, since these are becoming a shield for STR's, Hilton, Weston, Marriott all are converting hotels to timeshare units and building huge complexes as they have in Lahaina and Kihei. These units are sold as individual vacation units but in reality are really rented out as STR's when the "owner" isn't using the unit. The complex my STR is in also contains timeshare units and over 50% of them are used as STR's rather than by owners. The AirBnB's, the Hiltons, Weston's, Marriotts, VRBO, complexes are going to continue to expand and take over the Hawaiian Islands and Maui. There needs to be a balance, so I support the elimination of 7,000 STR's, even if it impacts my unit.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify and for your time in studying this bill.
I oppose Bill 9. I have a legal short term rental.
I care very much for Maui and its people. My husband and I consider ourselves part of the community. We volunteered to assist in distributing goods to people who were affected by the fires. We attend many cultural events and encourage our guests to do that, also. I keep track of events on Maui and share information with our guests, so that they can have an authentic cultural experience when they are on Maui.
As you know, tourism was greatly affected by the fires in Lahaina and Upcountry. Two of my housecleaners had to move off island when there was not enough work for them. I now have a housecleaner who is a single mother with two children of school age. She needs work to be able to pay bills and raise her children. We pay her considerably more than she would earn at a hotel.
We pay many locals to supply and maintain our condo. A local contractor remodeled our place and local handymen and plumbers have been recipients of money for their work. We have just recently purchased a washer, dryer and refrigerator from a local store.
We pay thousands of dollars every year in property taxes, Transient taxes, General Excise taxes and Maui County taxes. Some of that money has been designated for providing local housing and other expenses of Maui County and the State of Hawaii. Our maintenance fees have escalated, and we have had two special assessments just recently because of rising insurance costs.
I think you can deduce from what I have written that I am not getting rich, but I am trying to maintain in order to pay the bills.
I know there is a need for housing. I do not believe that shutting down short term rentals is the way to obtain what is needed.
My name is Susan Melohn Hoover, and I am the co-owner of a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to respectfully voice my concerns about the proposed legislation that seeks to phase out over 7,000 vacation rentals in the county. As a responsible property owner, I believe it’s important to highlight the positive impact short-term rentals have not only on the visitors they serve but also on the local economy and the Hawaiian residents who call this island home.
Owning and operating a short-term rental property in Maui has allowed me to contribute directly to the local economy in a meaningful way. My guests frequently patronize nearby restaurants, visit local shops, and engage in tours and activities that benefit the island’s small businesses. Whether it's dining at family-owned eateries, purchasing locally made goods, or enjoying Hawaiian cultural experiences, my guests’ spending flows directly into the hands of local entrepreneurs. This kind of economic stimulation is vital for maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of our island economy, especially for the small businesses that are the lifeblood of Maui.
In addition to supporting local businesses, my short-term rental also plays a direct role in providing jobs for local Hawaiian residents. I hire local workers for essential services such as landscaping, maintenance, and cleaning. These workers are not just employees; many of them have become part of the fabric of my business and the community. They depend on these jobs to support their families and livelihoods. The income generated from my short-term rental ensures that these local workers are paid fairly and consistently, which in turn supports their well-being and contributes to the overall stability of our local economy.
I have also witnessed firsthand the positive feedback from guests who feel a deeper connection to Maui through their stay in a locally operated short-term rental. Many have expressed that they wouldn’t have come to Maui at all without the option of staying in a vacation rental. This highlights the important role short-term rentals play in attracting tourists who are keen to experience Maui beyond the traditional hotel experience, while also creating opportunities for visitors to connect more deeply with the island and its people.
While there have been challenges in maintaining a property — such as increased costs for maintenance, insurance, and property upgrades — the income from my short-term rental helps cover these essential expenses. It also helps ensure that I can continue to employ local workers and invest in the upkeep of the property, all of which contribute to a positive experience for my guests and a safe, beautiful environment for the community.
This proposed legislation feels overly broad and does not fully recognize the many ways short-term rentals contribute to the local economy and workforce. I urge the Council to engage with property owners like myself to find a solution that ensures we continue to play a positive role in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the island’s financial health. Rather than phasing out short-term rentals, I advocate for a more balanced and thoughtful approach that holds us accountable while also allowing us to continue to make a meaningful impact on Maui's economy and residents.
Mahalo for your time and thoughtful consideration. I look forward to working together to find a sustainable path forward.
Sincerely,
Susan Melohn Hoover
Suehoov21@gmail.com
I’m writing to oppose Bill 9, which would phase out short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas. As someone who visits Maui regularly to see family, I rely on short-term rentals for both affordability and proximity. Hotels don’t offer the same flexibility or connection to local life.
During my visits, I support local restaurants, shops, and small businesses. My spending directly contributes to Maui’s economy. Without access to short-term rentals, I may not be able to visit as often—or at all.
I understand housing concerns are real, but banning legal, tax-paying rentals seems extreme. I ask you to reconsider and find a more balanced solution.
I am writing as a regular visitor to Maui with deep personal and family connections to the island, to respectfully express my opposition to Bill 9, which proposes to phase out legally operating short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas.
My visits to Maui are not just vacations—they are meaningful opportunities to spend time with relatives, support local businesses, and immerse myself in the unique culture and community of the island. Each time I visit, I choose to stay in a legal short-term rental because it offers a practical and affordable alternative to hotels, especially when traveling with extended family. These rentals allow me to be near my loved ones while also experiencing Maui in a way that feels more connected to local life.
Importantly, I—and many visitors like me—spend a significant portion of our budget at locally owned restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, cultural attractions, and small businesses. This spending directly supports the local economy and jobs. The availability of short-term rentals makes these repeat visits possible. Removing them would not only reduce my ability to visit regularly, but also reduce the amount I am able to contribute to Maui’s economy.
I understand the need to balance the interests of local residents with those of visitors, and I fully support efforts to preserve housing for long-term residents. However, I believe there is a way to achieve this goal without eliminating legal, well-managed short-term rentals that operate responsibly, pay taxes, and serve an important role in Maui’s visitor economy.
I respectfully urge the Council to reconsider the sweeping approach of Bill 9 and instead pursue balanced policies that allow for the continued operation of regulated short-term rentals while addressing housing concerns through targeted measures.
Thank you for your time and for considering the voices of visitors who care deeply about Maui and want to be part of its future in a respectful and sustainable way.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair U’u-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
We own a condo at the Palms at Wailea and I am writing to oppose proposed Bill 9 to phase out short term rentals.
The proposed vacation rental phase-out is projected to deliver a serious blow to Maui’s economy. According to the University of Hawai’i Economic Research Organization, the proposal could lead to the loss of nearly 1,900 jobs, a $900 million reduction in annual visitor spending, and $60 million less in property tax revenue – funds that support affordable housing projects.
I understand there is a great need for more affordable housing in Maui. However, our unit at the Palms at Wailea, assessed by the County for the ’25-’26 tax year at over $1.7 million, is very expensive to own. The monthly cost to own our condo at our purchase price of $1.6 million would be $13,608. Using 2024 costs, the monthly breakdown is $10,113 mortgage (20% down, 6.5% interest rate), $1,513 AOAO dues, $1,472 property taxes, $455 electricity, and $55 condo insurance.
Located in the Wailea planned resort area, the Palms at Wailea was purpose built for vacation rentals. While I respect efforts to diversify Maui’s economy, tourism will always be an important driver. Wailea was designed and approved by the County to concentrate the impacts of tourism within the planned Wailea resort area, thereby limiting impacts on other residential neighborhoods. Preserving lodging options for tourists in Wailea, including maintaining vacation rental use at the Palms at Wailea, should continue to be part of the County’s strategic tourism management policies.
I respectfully urge the Committee to reconsider the proposed ban and instead build on this year’s successful efforts to create new affordable housing.
Aloha mai kakou! My name is Derick and my wife and I have a studio unit in Papakea (which happens to be multi-zoned Hotel and apartment). We bought the studio back in 2019 from a resident of Lahaina whose husband passed away and wanted to sell some of her assets. Papakea was built in 1977 as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties. The owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years and has never been workforce housing. The resort is NOT in a residential neighborhood and is located alongside a long stretch of hotel-zoned properties and directly adjacent to multiple commercially-zoned properties. Like most of the resort complexes, it has a front desk, an activity concierge, shared activity space, and numerous other common resort amenities. My wife and I hire a full-time housekeeper and a local property manager who have resided in Lahaina for over 30 years, both having their own companies in managing STR units in the complex.
The operating cost alone for a studio in Papakea is signifcantly high. The HOA has gone up to $1,100 a month, property tax has risen to over $8k a year, insurance has doubled to $1200 a year, and not to mention the electric bills hovering over $200 a month. So in reality, the cost of renting this small studio would be over $2000 a month at minimum.
Even us as owners can't even afford to stay in the unit for over two weeks. I do not understand how this erroneous bill can provide housing to residents. The taxes contributed by this small studio to the county's revenue cannot be understated as well. How much more for the other STR units that are more expensive to maintain, more maintenance to operate, and definitely contribute to more funds to the county and the state.
We therefore strongly oppose this bill and re-affirm that the taxes generated from these Minatoya units be allocated to building more affordable housing to residents.
My name is Makoa and I'm born and raised on Maui. I love this island and I love my people. Sorry not sorry Im a supporter of Lahaina Strong since the beginning. We need more housing and they made this issue blow up and for that im glad. From the ashes something good has rised up. If I thought this bill would make the maui sitation better id support it but I'm not sure how doing this to these owners with these expensive condos will get so many place for us to live in. If the bill passes none of them have to do nothing so how does this give affordable places to live? Ban the short term renting seems like something to feel good aobut even if it fails to make new palces for us to live. Doesn't make sense
I support Lahaina Strong wanting more housing but they are wrong and heeres why think they are wrong. This is their canned email that eveyon has to sent in and my respnses to it.
"We keep hearing that these short-term rental units on the MInatoya List “aren’t fit” for long-term living, but many of us grew up in them or knew ʻohana or friends that did. "
This is just a lie. Jordan had to ask around on social media the other day to find out if anyone lived in these units if its such "common knowlege that "many f of us grew up in them then this fact would just stand on its own but instead of fishing for housing shes now fishing for evidence of a claim shes obviously been falsely making for over a year. Have some people who are local lived in these condos? Yea maybe but why is that important if there are people who own them now? Why would some local living in this condo in 1995 give them more right to it again if someone from the mainland has owned it and used it for a STR rental since 2001? We argue the truth that that Hawaii was taken and now we're teh takers? Bad of america to take Hawaii not not bad for us to take the use of a condo away from a property owner? Two wrongs don't make the rite.
"When people say these units “aren’t suitable” for locals, what they really mean is, we weren’t supposed to be there in the first place. That’s the root of the problem. Most of our community have fond memories of these properties before they were completely overtaken and shoreline access blocked."
Wailea has 4 of these str condos that have been used as second homes for mainland owners for nearly half cnetury. none are on the shoreline so block no bebeaches. My family are almost all electriciand and plummers and have worked on these places foe evar. Nothing mauka south kihei road blocks a shoreline. Places like Maui Kam, Kam Sands, Maui Hill, never occcupied as mainly locals. Just lying here these guys. Playing the victim of we weren't supposed to be here in the first place. No, maybe not meant to be in Wailea in the first palce. Its a rich community and most won't fit in there so don't pretend we used to have these places, live in these places or that we've been victimized becasue wealthy people want to enjoy the good life. Let them do it and stop with being jealous.
"STRs didn’t start as vacation getaways. Many of those buildings were long-term homes until investors turned them into commodities. The truth is, if those units were brought back to the long-term market, locals would live in them again and a few still do, holding on however they can."
False again. These guys havent given anyone any information or evidence of any of this, and I've always heard all that they say. Have some complexes seen more mainland owners? Maybe, but if a local sold it to them then thats on the local family not the buyer. We can't pretend we don't like money or dont want to sell a property for a profit. It's how we get ahead but don't be mad at the biyer who bought from a local. its all been legal the whole time. No complaints or protests in the 1990's, nothing in 1998, 2001, 2007, 2010 and so on. People using the fire to tkae whats not theirs. Lahaina Strong needs to stop saying "the truth is" in all their stuff becuase the one thing they have done for a year is speak untruth. This testimoy page they made shows that for sure.
"Also, I respectfully ask for no carve-outs or special protections for timeshares."
See this isn't about Minatoya this is just a bunch of people loking to take as much as they can from other peopel while they have the power to try. Timeshares ahve never been a target and now all of a sudden they are.
Council you need to reel these guys back in. Used to read a book to my gran kids called If You Give a Mouse a cookie and it's all about a mouse that asks for a cookie, and once he gets it, he wants milk to go with it. Once he gets the milk, hwe then wants a straw. After he's done the milk, he'll want a napkin, then a mirror to make sure has no milk mustash. All the talk about entitled str owners and Lahaina Strong doesn't look in the mirror because they beileve that being local means you get to make demands even unreasonable ones and theres no way you can be labeled entitled. Council needs to make sure tehy make clear who is the bosses on the island. Otherwise theyll become the Maui version of trumps entitled rioters. All wrong, all doing illegal stuff but empowered by the higher ups to be acting like this.
This isnt about housing its about power and control. And they hate tourists in spite of saying they don't. I still support them for wanting affordable housing. I'm Ride or die for housing but that isn't what they stand for anymore.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair U'u-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude Papakea Oceanfront Resort which Maui County has identified as having A2-H2 zoning.
Historically, Papakea Resort was built, marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties. Papakea owners have been operating as legal short term rentals and paying Taxes for over 50 years. Papakea Resort was not built and has never been used as workforce housing which makes it excluded from properties that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Papakea are under 600 square feet which is not conducive for housing and we have very limited parking. Papakea is not in a residential neighborhood and we are located on a stretch of hotel zoned properties and adjacent to multiple commercially-zoned properties.
Papakea is unlike apartment designed buildings as we have employees operating our Front desk ,we have a lobby and activity concierge, shared activity space and multiple other common resort amenities( including shuffleboard, putting greens, pickleball, tennis and reflecting ponds)
Owners purchased condos at Papakea Resort with expectation that short term rentals were legal- based on ordinances enacted as far back as 1989 and as recent as 2022. Maui County ordinances ,published documents , Hawaii state law,and constitutional protections, encouraged owners to invest in costly renovations, upgraded high quality furnishings , and intense ongoing maintenance . This purchase and perpetual effort, binds owners in long term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of Short term rental right offensive of each buyers investment backed expectations and could have the unexpected consequence of the collapse of the Hawaiian banking system as most owners financed through Hawaii state banking institutions.
Papakea operates as a resort and contributes to our Maui community. Our resort operations provides employment for over 35 full time local resident employees, some of whom have been on staff over 17 years . Many started as entry level positions and have been promoted to supervisory roles. To keep our resort operating at highest levels we also employee multiple community trade professionals on a regular basis. These professionals include pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, tile and flooring, fitness instructors for classes, entertainers and tree trimmers.
Our owners employee many small business to run each resort unit used as a short term rental . This includes housekeepers, handymen, onsite rental agents and contractors. These service providers set their own rates, work hours and decide which clients they will take on. Eliminating the short term rentals at Papakea Resort will mean countless loss of jobs for our local community and telling local small business owners who have worked hard to grow their small business that they will no longer have consistent work and this could lead local families to leave the island of Maui in search of ways to make a living. If these folks did try to stay on Maui it could men a struggle to find meaningful work and /or accepting jobs where they have less flexibility, less income and could be subject to oppressive corporate policies.
Because Papakea has operated as a legal Short term rental over the last 50 years we strongly contribute financially to the State of Hawaii and County of Maui through payment of property taxes (at the short term rental rate) TAT , GET and Maui County TAT. In addition to our government contributions, our guests support small local businesses on the island including: grocery stores, small shops, cafes, restaurants, food trucks, tour operators, activities, and both state and national parks. The local folks rely on visitors to stay afloat and earn a meaningful living.
In addition to frequenting local establishments, our owners and guests participate in local community activities such as beach clean ups, the humane society, Pacific whale foundation, hospitals , places of worship as well as philianthropic and cultural events.
I would like to thank the committee for allowing me to comment on my opposition of Bill 9 as I fear countless devastating unintended consequences for Maui community if his Bill is passed.
Sincerely,
Lynette Bennett
Papakea Resort ,3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road
Building G
Lahaina , Maui, Hi
Welina mai oukou! 'O wau David Kawika Kama a e noho nei au ma Pauoa o O'ahu. My wife and I purchased a studio apartment in West Maui (north of Lahaina) in an oceanfront resort complex that is zoned hotel and apartment. We bought this 14 years ago to help with our cost of living. The complex was NEVER built for workforce housing, it was built for transient vacationers. It has two large swimming pools, tennis courts, barbeque grills, etc and it employs staff at the front desk and a large crew to maintain the grounds. The HOA was already quite high at that time ($850 for a studio), and now it is over $1100 a month. Because it went through an assessement costing over $30 million to replace the plumbing, HOA will most likely go up to $1,500 ! House insurance is over $1200 a year. How can a resident even afford to rent a studio apartment for over $2,500???
I strongly oppose this Bill 9., It's obvious the mayor is trying to please the hotel industry and these Lahaina Strong hui. Please consider the implications of this pila hupo to the economy as well! Mahalo loa i kou manawa.
Dear Council Chair, Vice Chair and Members,
My name is Jeffry Blumenfeld and I own a condominium in the Kapalua Golf Villas. My father purchased this condo in 1979 and it has been in our family ever since. In the original declaration documents, there were provisions for short term rentals. These provisions were considered when the purchase was made.
Everyone in our family loves Maui and respects the people and culture. Kapalua is a resort unto itself and was designed primarily as resort style vacation destination and does not lend itself to family residential use. In the Golf Villas, there is only 1 parking space per unit, and is a no pet property. These restrictions alone are prime examples as to why condominium complexes in Kapalua are not suited for long term residential use.
Consider the cost of housing on the island of Molokai where the average sale price is $500K and where there is no tourism. This legislation may appease a small group of local people in the short term, but in the long term it will hurt many people.
I respectfully ask this group to vote NO on this bill and instead work with local agencies as well as state, federal agencies to solve Maui’s housing issues.
Jeffry Blumenfeld, 500 Kapalua Dr., 17V1, Lahaina
jeffry.blumenfeld@yahoo.com
My name is Roy Lindfield, and I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
I’ve worked hard to be a responsible and community-oriented owner. I recommend local restaurants and tour guides in my welcome guide. I employ local service providers — cleaners, maintenance techs, and landscapers — many of whom have become like family over the years. My guests often leave Maui saying they felt more connected to the island because of the personal experience they had in my home.
Some of my guests have even said they wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. That matters — not just to me, but to all the small businesses they supported during their stay.
Owning in this complex has not been easy. We’ve faced huge maintenance costs, special assessments, and massive increases in insurance after the fires. These aren’t luxuries — they’re costs that ensure the property remains safe, functional, and appealing. STR income helps cover those costs while supporting local workers.
This legislation feels rushed and one-sided. I urge the Council to work with owners like me to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely.
My father who was born in Maui purchased at Lahaina Shores Hotel when it was first built. Our family totally oppose the bill disallowing short term rentals. This will be diasterous for Mauni's economy affecting real estate sale, jobs, taxes and tourism. I do not think the government should have a say so in how we use our property that we own. Look at how much the economy has suffered since the wildfires in August 2023 and we still have not made progress in getting Lahaina rebuilt. I live in CA and we are already rebuilding in Altadena, Pasadena and Palisades when the fires in Janaury 2025 desroyed thousands of home. Why is Maui taking so long to make progress? We continue to pay our HOA dues yet we can't even enter our building. If Maui disallows short term rentals we will definitely be going backwards and this will be very destructive to Maui's economy and its residents who depend on tourism.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
We are fortunate to own a condo at Kapalua in Maui, acquired by our family in the early 1980’s. It was originally acquired for our use for family vacations, but over time we have begun to rent it out to others (short term rentals) when we are not occupying the condo. In doing so, we pay taxes that support the local government and infrastructure (we paid $30,812 in taxes in 2023), and we employ Maui residents who perform regular cleaning and maintenance. In the last year alone, we spent over $33,337 with local Maui firms related to our ownership of our condo.
We understand that Maui is considering the cancellation of the Minatoya exemption which has allowed us to rent out our condo. We have heard that one of the arguments in favor of this change is that the subject properties were “previously built and designed for workforce housing in West Maui.” While this may be true of some of the properties you target, it is not true of our condo. Our condo sits overlooking the Kapalua golf course and was built as a resort property, not for workforce housing. We respectfully request that if you decide to repeal the Minatoya exemption, you exclude from the change those properties, including ours at Kapalua, that were NOT originally intended for workforce housing.
Sincerely,
Greg and Karla Ray
Aloha, my name is Malia and I live by L. Honoapi'ilani with my husband. We bought both a studio unit in a resort complex 12 years ago that is zoned hotel & apartment. This is to supplement our income (we both work two jobs in Wailiku and Ka'anapali). When my husband passed away last 2019, it was renting out this unit to visitors that helped me live in my meager means. When the fires happened, I asked for that unit to be rented out to the displaced victims but FEMA refused because the complex was undergoing a resort-wide plumbing renovation.
Now, the cost of maintaining a studio in that complex is more than I can imagine. The HOA is over $1,200 monthly, the insurance has gone up significantly. So if I were to rent the studio unit, it would be over $2000 that does not even include electricity!
Most if not all of these Minatoya units are old and very expensive to maintain. The rent for long term is just not going to be affordable to most people..even I can't stay there for more than a week! My cousin lost their home in the fire and even he refuses to live in the studio.
I therefore oppose this bill as it is not good option to provide affordable housing to the residents. Mahalo nui for reading my testimony.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose that the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude the Mahina Surf.
Background on Mahina Surf
Mahina Surf was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties.
Mahina Surf owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years.
Mahina Surf has never been workforce housing so Mahina Surf is not an example of a property that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Mahina Surf are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking.
Owners purchased units at Mahina Surf with the reasonable expectation that short-term rentals were legal based on ordinances as far back as 1989.
In reliance on the Maui County ordinances and published documents, Hawaii state law, and constitutional protections, owners invested in costly renovations, furnishings, and long-term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of short-term rental right offensive to each buyer’s investment-backed expectations.
Mahina Surf provides full-time, benefited, employment for local resident employees; some have worked at the property for over 25 years.
Mahina Surf supports a wide variety of local trade professionals including pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, flooring, and tree trimming.
I thank the members of the committee for their service and for taking the time to read my testimony in opposition of Bill 9.
My wife and I are short-term rental property owners in the Honokowai area of West Maui, and we are writing to express our opposition to the proposal to eliminate short-term rental units such as ours. Our renters are generally couples who stay for around one week, frequenting restaurants, food trucks, shops, and attractions in the area. Many are repeat visitors. In 2024, the condo was occupied by visitors for 245 nights. We typically have bookings for up to a year in advance but, with the uncertainty involved with this proposal, we have very few bookings past this coming July 1. A vacant condo does no good for anyone.
Our condo is managed by a local property management firm, to which we paid $11,100 in 2024. They, in turn, contract with local cleaning and maintenance contractors, to which we paid $2,568 in 2024. We also paid the following taxes in 2024: GET, $2,615; MCTAT, $1,665; TAT, $5,688; and Real Estate Tax, $9,399. All of the above will either go away or be drastically reduced if the proposed elimination is carried out.
For the above reasons, I believe that the proposed ban on short-term rentals is a bad idea for everyone. I respectfully ask that you reconsider.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
William Cofer
wsuhokie@gmail.com, 509-432-1251
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose that the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude Papakea Oceanfront Resort which the County has historically identified as having A2-H2 zoning.
Background on Papakea
Papakea was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties.
Papakea owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years.
Papakea has never been workforce housing so Papakea is not an example of a property that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Papakea are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking.
Papakea is not in a residential neighborhood and is located alongside a long stretch of hotel-zoned properties and directly adjacent to multiple commercially-zoned properties.
Unlike apartment buildings designed for long-term residential use, Papakea has a front desk, an activity concierge, shared activity space, and numerous other common resort amenities.
Owners purchased condos at Papakea with the reasonable expectation that short-term rentals were legal based on ordinances as far back as 1989, and as recent as 2022.
In reliance on the Maui County ordinances and published documents, Hawaii state law, and constitutional protections, owners invested in costly renovations, furnishings, and long-term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of short-term rental right offensive of each buyer’s investment-backed expectations.
Papakea’s Contributions to the Community
Papakea’s resort operations provide full-time, benefited, employment for 35 local resident employees; some have worked at the property for over 17 years; some started in entry-level positions and worked into supervisory roles.
Papakea supports a wide variety of local trade professionals including pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, tile and flooring, fitness instructors, entertainers, and tree trimming.
Individual Owner Contributions to the Community
Many small businesses owned and operated by local residents from the Maui community rely on Papakea short-term rentals including housekeepers, handymen, on-island agents, and contractors. These service providers set their own rates, work hours, select their own clients, work conditions and standard operating procedures. Shutting down short-term rentals at Papakea means telling local entrepreneurs that worked hard to build a small business that they need to just go get a job somewhere else to make less money, have less flexibility, and be subject to oppressive corporate policies.
Papakea STRs support the State of Hawaii and County of Maui through payment of property taxes (many at the short-term rental rate), Transient Accommodations Tax, General Excise Tax, and Maui County Transient Accommodations Tax.
Papakea guests support many small businesses on the island including restaurants, food trucks, tour operators, activities, state parks, the national park, and shops.
Papakea owners and guests regularly participate in community activities including volunteering at beach cleanups, Maui Humane Society, the hospital, and many other local organizations, and contribute to local philanthropic nd cultural efforts.
I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Jon M. Wimber
3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Apartment K-102
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Rob Gagnon, and I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today with profound concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out over 7,000 vacation rentals. This legislation will not just impact my investment but will have a ripple effect, negatively impacting my family, our cherished guests, and the dedicated individuals who manage and provide vital services for my property.
I have always strived to be a responsible and community-focused owner. My welcome guide highlights local gems – restaurants, tour guides, and hidden treasures of Maui. I take pride in employing local service providers, including cleaners, maintenance technicians, and landscapers, who have become an extension of my family. My guests consistently share that their experience staying in my home allowed them a deeper, more authentic connection to the island, enriching their visit in ways a hotel simply could not.
Many of my guests have specifically chosen Maui because of the availability of vacation rentals, indicating they might not have visited otherwise. Their patronage is not just felt by me but extends to the many small businesses they support throughout their stay.
Owning in this property has been fraught with challenges, especially recently. We have navigated substantial maintenance costs, special assessments, and the sharp rise in insurance rates after the devastating fires. These are essential costs, ensuring the property remains safe and welcoming, and the income from STR helps to cover these while simultaneously supporting local employment.
This proposed legislation feels hasty and overlooks the intricate ecosystem that vacation rentals support. I implore the Council to collaborate with responsible owners like myself to develop a balanced and equitable solution. One that safeguards local jobs, bolsters the economy, ensures high operational standards for STRs, and avoids the sweeping consequences of a total phase-out. This legislation threatens the fabric of our community, impacting families, visitors, and the workforce.
Mahalo for your time and earnest consideration of these matters.
Sincerely,
Rob Gagnon
rcgagnon10@gmail.com
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Neha Pyle, and I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
I’ve have been a very responsible and community-oriented owner. My family was deeply saddened by the wildfires that destroyed our beloved Lahaina, and we have done our part, giving back to the community by offering our unit as housing to a family that was displaced, and forgoing short term rental income for over a year now (and still going). We could have charged multiples in rent over the past year but felt it was the right thing to do to help our island ohana.
Over the past several years, we have developed meaningful relationships with locals that depend on our guests for security of their jobs and income. I recommend local restaurants and tour guides in my welcome guide. We employ local service providers — cleaners, maintenance techs, and landscapers — many of whom we have become very close to.
My guests often leave Maui saying they were thankful for the opportunity to rent our property, felt more connected, and will (and already have) 100% return to the island because of the personal experience they had in my home. This results in recurring income for residents of the community that service the vacation rentals and the guests that occupy them.
It is sad to say, but many visitors cannot afford the rates of the large vacation-oriented resorts that more often than not, charge upwards of $600/night. Short-term options like individual units are the only way that they can afford to visit the island. That matters a great deal to all the small businesses they support during their stay. It is not possible for large resorts to employ ALL of the service workers that would lose their jobs if short term vacation rentals became unavailable.
Owning in our complex includes financial burdens. We pay extensive maintenance/repair costs, special assessments, and massive increases in insurance after the fires. These are not optional expenses, and are costs that ensure the property remains safe, functional, and appealing.
STR income helps cover those costs while supporting local workers. Eliminating short term rental cash flow eliminates the ability to pay rising costs to maintain the properties and ultimately support the local community.
This legislation feels rushed, one-sided, and based on the heightened emotions that were felt immediately following the Lahaina fire. I urge the Council to work with owners like me to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Neha Pyle
nehapyle@yahoo.com
The need for housing is primary for locals and residents that want to become permanent, such as workers. The phase out of STR's in apartment zoned area's is good, it isn't a total removal of STR's. If STR's aren't limited, Maui is going to be over run with vacationers and the local culture and environment permanently damaged. I own a STR, it is not my source of lively hood and I have no objection to eliminating those in apartment area's. BUT, this also needs to address Timeshare units, since these are becoming a shield for STR's, Hilton, Weston, Marriott all are converting hotels to timeshare units and building huge complexes as they have in Lahaina and Kihei. These units are sold as individual vacation units but in reality are really rented out as STR's when the "owner" isn't using the unit. The complex my STR is in also contains timeshare units and over 50% of them are used as STR's rather than by owners. The AirBnB's, the Hiltons, Weston's, Marriotts, VRBO, complexes are going to continue to expand and take over the Hawaiian Islands and Maui. There needs to be a balance, so I support the elimination of 7,000 STR's, even if it impacts my unit.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify and for your time in studying this bill.
I oppose Bill 9. I have a legal short term rental.
I care very much for Maui and its people. My husband and I consider ourselves part of the community. We volunteered to assist in distributing goods to people who were affected by the fires. We attend many cultural events and encourage our guests to do that, also. I keep track of events on Maui and share information with our guests, so that they can have an authentic cultural experience when they are on Maui.
As you know, tourism was greatly affected by the fires in Lahaina and Upcountry. Two of my housecleaners had to move off island when there was not enough work for them. I now have a housecleaner who is a single mother with two children of school age. She needs work to be able to pay bills and raise her children. We pay her considerably more than she would earn at a hotel.
We pay many locals to supply and maintain our condo. A local contractor remodeled our place and local handymen and plumbers have been recipients of money for their work. We have just recently purchased a washer, dryer and refrigerator from a local store.
We pay thousands of dollars every year in property taxes, Transient taxes, General Excise taxes and Maui County taxes. Some of that money has been designated for providing local housing and other expenses of Maui County and the State of Hawaii. Our maintenance fees have escalated, and we have had two special assessments just recently because of rising insurance costs.
I think you can deduce from what I have written that I am not getting rich, but I am trying to maintain in order to pay the bills.
I know there is a need for housing. I do not believe that shutting down short term rentals is the way to obtain what is needed.
Please oppose Bill 9.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Susan Melohn Hoover, and I am the co-owner of a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to respectfully voice my concerns about the proposed legislation that seeks to phase out over 7,000 vacation rentals in the county. As a responsible property owner, I believe it’s important to highlight the positive impact short-term rentals have not only on the visitors they serve but also on the local economy and the Hawaiian residents who call this island home.
Owning and operating a short-term rental property in Maui has allowed me to contribute directly to the local economy in a meaningful way. My guests frequently patronize nearby restaurants, visit local shops, and engage in tours and activities that benefit the island’s small businesses. Whether it's dining at family-owned eateries, purchasing locally made goods, or enjoying Hawaiian cultural experiences, my guests’ spending flows directly into the hands of local entrepreneurs. This kind of economic stimulation is vital for maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of our island economy, especially for the small businesses that are the lifeblood of Maui.
In addition to supporting local businesses, my short-term rental also plays a direct role in providing jobs for local Hawaiian residents. I hire local workers for essential services such as landscaping, maintenance, and cleaning. These workers are not just employees; many of them have become part of the fabric of my business and the community. They depend on these jobs to support their families and livelihoods. The income generated from my short-term rental ensures that these local workers are paid fairly and consistently, which in turn supports their well-being and contributes to the overall stability of our local economy.
I have also witnessed firsthand the positive feedback from guests who feel a deeper connection to Maui through their stay in a locally operated short-term rental. Many have expressed that they wouldn’t have come to Maui at all without the option of staying in a vacation rental. This highlights the important role short-term rentals play in attracting tourists who are keen to experience Maui beyond the traditional hotel experience, while also creating opportunities for visitors to connect more deeply with the island and its people.
While there have been challenges in maintaining a property — such as increased costs for maintenance, insurance, and property upgrades — the income from my short-term rental helps cover these essential expenses. It also helps ensure that I can continue to employ local workers and invest in the upkeep of the property, all of which contribute to a positive experience for my guests and a safe, beautiful environment for the community.
This proposed legislation feels overly broad and does not fully recognize the many ways short-term rentals contribute to the local economy and workforce. I urge the Council to engage with property owners like myself to find a solution that ensures we continue to play a positive role in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to the island’s financial health. Rather than phasing out short-term rentals, I advocate for a more balanced and thoughtful approach that holds us accountable while also allowing us to continue to make a meaningful impact on Maui's economy and residents.
Mahalo for your time and thoughtful consideration. I look forward to working together to find a sustainable path forward.
Sincerely,
Susan Melohn Hoover
Suehoov21@gmail.com
To the Maui County Council,
I’m writing to oppose Bill 9, which would phase out short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas. As someone who visits Maui regularly to see family, I rely on short-term rentals for both affordability and proximity. Hotels don’t offer the same flexibility or connection to local life.
During my visits, I support local restaurants, shops, and small businesses. My spending directly contributes to Maui’s economy. Without access to short-term rentals, I may not be able to visit as often—or at all.
I understand housing concerns are real, but banning legal, tax-paying rentals seems extreme. I ask you to reconsider and find a more balanced solution.
Mahalo for your time,
Respectful Maui Guest
Re: Opposition to Bill 9 (Short-Term Rental Ban)
Dear Members of the Maui County Council,
I am writing as a regular visitor to Maui with deep personal and family connections to the island, to respectfully express my opposition to Bill 9, which proposes to phase out legally operating short-term rentals in apartment-zoned areas.
My visits to Maui are not just vacations—they are meaningful opportunities to spend time with relatives, support local businesses, and immerse myself in the unique culture and community of the island. Each time I visit, I choose to stay in a legal short-term rental because it offers a practical and affordable alternative to hotels, especially when traveling with extended family. These rentals allow me to be near my loved ones while also experiencing Maui in a way that feels more connected to local life.
Importantly, I—and many visitors like me—spend a significant portion of our budget at locally owned restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, cultural attractions, and small businesses. This spending directly supports the local economy and jobs. The availability of short-term rentals makes these repeat visits possible. Removing them would not only reduce my ability to visit regularly, but also reduce the amount I am able to contribute to Maui’s economy.
I understand the need to balance the interests of local residents with those of visitors, and I fully support efforts to preserve housing for long-term residents. However, I believe there is a way to achieve this goal without eliminating legal, well-managed short-term rentals that operate responsibly, pay taxes, and serve an important role in Maui’s visitor economy.
I respectfully urge the Council to reconsider the sweeping approach of Bill 9 and instead pursue balanced policies that allow for the continued operation of regulated short-term rentals while addressing housing concerns through targeted measures.
Thank you for your time and for considering the voices of visitors who care deeply about Maui and want to be part of its future in a respectful and sustainable way.
Sincerely,
Rachelle Yongvanich
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair U’u-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
We own a condo at the Palms at Wailea and I am writing to oppose proposed Bill 9 to phase out short term rentals.
The proposed vacation rental phase-out is projected to deliver a serious blow to Maui’s economy. According to the University of Hawai’i Economic Research Organization, the proposal could lead to the loss of nearly 1,900 jobs, a $900 million reduction in annual visitor spending, and $60 million less in property tax revenue – funds that support affordable housing projects.
I understand there is a great need for more affordable housing in Maui. However, our unit at the Palms at Wailea, assessed by the County for the ’25-’26 tax year at over $1.7 million, is very expensive to own. The monthly cost to own our condo at our purchase price of $1.6 million would be $13,608. Using 2024 costs, the monthly breakdown is $10,113 mortgage (20% down, 6.5% interest rate), $1,513 AOAO dues, $1,472 property taxes, $455 electricity, and $55 condo insurance.
Located in the Wailea planned resort area, the Palms at Wailea was purpose built for vacation rentals. While I respect efforts to diversify Maui’s economy, tourism will always be an important driver. Wailea was designed and approved by the County to concentrate the impacts of tourism within the planned Wailea resort area, thereby limiting impacts on other residential neighborhoods. Preserving lodging options for tourists in Wailea, including maintaining vacation rental use at the Palms at Wailea, should continue to be part of the County’s strategic tourism management policies.
I respectfully urge the Committee to reconsider the proposed ban and instead build on this year’s successful efforts to create new affordable housing.
Aloha mai kakou! My name is Derick and my wife and I have a studio unit in Papakea (which happens to be multi-zoned Hotel and apartment). We bought the studio back in 2019 from a resident of Lahaina whose husband passed away and wanted to sell some of her assets. Papakea was built in 1977 as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties. The owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years and has never been workforce housing. The resort is NOT in a residential neighborhood and is located alongside a long stretch of hotel-zoned properties and directly adjacent to multiple commercially-zoned properties. Like most of the resort complexes, it has a front desk, an activity concierge, shared activity space, and numerous other common resort amenities. My wife and I hire a full-time housekeeper and a local property manager who have resided in Lahaina for over 30 years, both having their own companies in managing STR units in the complex.
The operating cost alone for a studio in Papakea is signifcantly high. The HOA has gone up to $1,100 a month, property tax has risen to over $8k a year, insurance has doubled to $1200 a year, and not to mention the electric bills hovering over $200 a month. So in reality, the cost of renting this small studio would be over $2000 a month at minimum.
Even us as owners can't even afford to stay in the unit for over two weeks. I do not understand how this erroneous bill can provide housing to residents. The taxes contributed by this small studio to the county's revenue cannot be understated as well. How much more for the other STR units that are more expensive to maintain, more maintenance to operate, and definitely contribute to more funds to the county and the state.
We therefore strongly oppose this bill and re-affirm that the taxes generated from these Minatoya units be allocated to building more affordable housing to residents.
My name is Makoa and I'm born and raised on Maui. I love this island and I love my people. Sorry not sorry Im a supporter of Lahaina Strong since the beginning. We need more housing and they made this issue blow up and for that im glad. From the ashes something good has rised up. If I thought this bill would make the maui sitation better id support it but I'm not sure how doing this to these owners with these expensive condos will get so many place for us to live in. If the bill passes none of them have to do nothing so how does this give affordable places to live? Ban the short term renting seems like something to feel good aobut even if it fails to make new palces for us to live. Doesn't make sense
I support Lahaina Strong wanting more housing but they are wrong and heeres why think they are wrong. This is their canned email that eveyon has to sent in and my respnses to it.
"We keep hearing that these short-term rental units on the MInatoya List “aren’t fit” for long-term living, but many of us grew up in them or knew ʻohana or friends that did. "
This is just a lie. Jordan had to ask around on social media the other day to find out if anyone lived in these units if its such "common knowlege that "many f of us grew up in them then this fact would just stand on its own but instead of fishing for housing shes now fishing for evidence of a claim shes obviously been falsely making for over a year. Have some people who are local lived in these condos? Yea maybe but why is that important if there are people who own them now? Why would some local living in this condo in 1995 give them more right to it again if someone from the mainland has owned it and used it for a STR rental since 2001? We argue the truth that that Hawaii was taken and now we're teh takers? Bad of america to take Hawaii not not bad for us to take the use of a condo away from a property owner? Two wrongs don't make the rite.
"When people say these units “aren’t suitable” for locals, what they really mean is, we weren’t supposed to be there in the first place. That’s the root of the problem. Most of our community have fond memories of these properties before they were completely overtaken and shoreline access blocked."
Wailea has 4 of these str condos that have been used as second homes for mainland owners for nearly half cnetury. none are on the shoreline so block no bebeaches. My family are almost all electriciand and plummers and have worked on these places foe evar. Nothing mauka south kihei road blocks a shoreline. Places like Maui Kam, Kam Sands, Maui Hill, never occcupied as mainly locals. Just lying here these guys. Playing the victim of we weren't supposed to be here in the first place. No, maybe not meant to be in Wailea in the first palce. Its a rich community and most won't fit in there so don't pretend we used to have these places, live in these places or that we've been victimized becasue wealthy people want to enjoy the good life. Let them do it and stop with being jealous.
"STRs didn’t start as vacation getaways. Many of those buildings were long-term homes until investors turned them into commodities. The truth is, if those units were brought back to the long-term market, locals would live in them again and a few still do, holding on however they can."
False again. These guys havent given anyone any information or evidence of any of this, and I've always heard all that they say. Have some complexes seen more mainland owners? Maybe, but if a local sold it to them then thats on the local family not the buyer. We can't pretend we don't like money or dont want to sell a property for a profit. It's how we get ahead but don't be mad at the biyer who bought from a local. its all been legal the whole time. No complaints or protests in the 1990's, nothing in 1998, 2001, 2007, 2010 and so on. People using the fire to tkae whats not theirs. Lahaina Strong needs to stop saying "the truth is" in all their stuff becuase the one thing they have done for a year is speak untruth. This testimoy page they made shows that for sure.
"Also, I respectfully ask for no carve-outs or special protections for timeshares."
See this isn't about Minatoya this is just a bunch of people loking to take as much as they can from other peopel while they have the power to try. Timeshares ahve never been a target and now all of a sudden they are.
Council you need to reel these guys back in. Used to read a book to my gran kids called If You Give a Mouse a cookie and it's all about a mouse that asks for a cookie, and once he gets it, he wants milk to go with it. Once he gets the milk, hwe then wants a straw. After he's done the milk, he'll want a napkin, then a mirror to make sure has no milk mustash. All the talk about entitled str owners and Lahaina Strong doesn't look in the mirror because they beileve that being local means you get to make demands even unreasonable ones and theres no way you can be labeled entitled. Council needs to make sure tehy make clear who is the bosses on the island. Otherwise theyll become the Maui version of trumps entitled rioters. All wrong, all doing illegal stuff but empowered by the higher ups to be acting like this.
This isnt about housing its about power and control. And they hate tourists in spite of saying they don't. I still support them for wanting affordable housing. I'm Ride or die for housing but that isn't what they stand for anymore.
Mahalo Makoa
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair U'u-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude Papakea Oceanfront Resort which Maui County has identified as having A2-H2 zoning.
Historically, Papakea Resort was built, marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties. Papakea owners have been operating as legal short term rentals and paying Taxes for over 50 years. Papakea Resort was not built and has never been used as workforce housing which makes it excluded from properties that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Papakea are under 600 square feet which is not conducive for housing and we have very limited parking. Papakea is not in a residential neighborhood and we are located on a stretch of hotel zoned properties and adjacent to multiple commercially-zoned properties.
Papakea is unlike apartment designed buildings as we have employees operating our Front desk ,we have a lobby and activity concierge, shared activity space and multiple other common resort amenities( including shuffleboard, putting greens, pickleball, tennis and reflecting ponds)
Owners purchased condos at Papakea Resort with expectation that short term rentals were legal- based on ordinances enacted as far back as 1989 and as recent as 2022. Maui County ordinances ,published documents , Hawaii state law,and constitutional protections, encouraged owners to invest in costly renovations, upgraded high quality furnishings , and intense ongoing maintenance . This purchase and perpetual effort, binds owners in long term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of Short term rental right offensive of each buyers investment backed expectations and could have the unexpected consequence of the collapse of the Hawaiian banking system as most owners financed through Hawaii state banking institutions.
Papakea operates as a resort and contributes to our Maui community. Our resort operations provides employment for over 35 full time local resident employees, some of whom have been on staff over 17 years . Many started as entry level positions and have been promoted to supervisory roles. To keep our resort operating at highest levels we also employee multiple community trade professionals on a regular basis. These professionals include pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, tile and flooring, fitness instructors for classes, entertainers and tree trimmers.
Our owners employee many small business to run each resort unit used as a short term rental . This includes housekeepers, handymen, onsite rental agents and contractors. These service providers set their own rates, work hours and decide which clients they will take on. Eliminating the short term rentals at Papakea Resort will mean countless loss of jobs for our local community and telling local small business owners who have worked hard to grow their small business that they will no longer have consistent work and this could lead local families to leave the island of Maui in search of ways to make a living. If these folks did try to stay on Maui it could men a struggle to find meaningful work and /or accepting jobs where they have less flexibility, less income and could be subject to oppressive corporate policies.
Because Papakea has operated as a legal Short term rental over the last 50 years we strongly contribute financially to the State of Hawaii and County of Maui through payment of property taxes (at the short term rental rate) TAT , GET and Maui County TAT. In addition to our government contributions, our guests support small local businesses on the island including: grocery stores, small shops, cafes, restaurants, food trucks, tour operators, activities, and both state and national parks. The local folks rely on visitors to stay afloat and earn a meaningful living.
In addition to frequenting local establishments, our owners and guests participate in local community activities such as beach clean ups, the humane society, Pacific whale foundation, hospitals , places of worship as well as philianthropic and cultural events.
I would like to thank the committee for allowing me to comment on my opposition of Bill 9 as I fear countless devastating unintended consequences for Maui community if his Bill is passed.
Sincerely,
Lynette Bennett
Papakea Resort ,3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road
Building G
Lahaina , Maui, Hi
Welina mai oukou! 'O wau David Kawika Kama a e noho nei au ma Pauoa o O'ahu. My wife and I purchased a studio apartment in West Maui (north of Lahaina) in an oceanfront resort complex that is zoned hotel and apartment. We bought this 14 years ago to help with our cost of living. The complex was NEVER built for workforce housing, it was built for transient vacationers. It has two large swimming pools, tennis courts, barbeque grills, etc and it employs staff at the front desk and a large crew to maintain the grounds. The HOA was already quite high at that time ($850 for a studio), and now it is over $1100 a month. Because it went through an assessement costing over $30 million to replace the plumbing, HOA will most likely go up to $1,500 ! House insurance is over $1200 a year. How can a resident even afford to rent a studio apartment for over $2,500???
I strongly oppose this Bill 9., It's obvious the mayor is trying to please the hotel industry and these Lahaina Strong hui. Please consider the implications of this pila hupo to the economy as well! Mahalo loa i kou manawa.
Dear Council Chair, Vice Chair and Members,
My name is Jeffry Blumenfeld and I own a condominium in the Kapalua Golf Villas. My father purchased this condo in 1979 and it has been in our family ever since. In the original declaration documents, there were provisions for short term rentals. These provisions were considered when the purchase was made.
Everyone in our family loves Maui and respects the people and culture. Kapalua is a resort unto itself and was designed primarily as resort style vacation destination and does not lend itself to family residential use. In the Golf Villas, there is only 1 parking space per unit, and is a no pet property. These restrictions alone are prime examples as to why condominium complexes in Kapalua are not suited for long term residential use.
Consider the cost of housing on the island of Molokai where the average sale price is $500K and where there is no tourism. This legislation may appease a small group of local people in the short term, but in the long term it will hurt many people.
I respectfully ask this group to vote NO on this bill and instead work with local agencies as well as state, federal agencies to solve Maui’s housing issues.
Jeffry Blumenfeld, 500 Kapalua Dr., 17V1, Lahaina
jeffry.blumenfeld@yahoo.com
My name is Roy Lindfield, and I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
I’ve worked hard to be a responsible and community-oriented owner. I recommend local restaurants and tour guides in my welcome guide. I employ local service providers — cleaners, maintenance techs, and landscapers — many of whom have become like family over the years. My guests often leave Maui saying they felt more connected to the island because of the personal experience they had in my home.
Some of my guests have even said they wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. That matters — not just to me, but to all the small businesses they supported during their stay.
Owning in this complex has not been easy. We’ve faced huge maintenance costs, special assessments, and massive increases in insurance after the fires. These aren’t luxuries — they’re costs that ensure the property remains safe, functional, and appealing. STR income helps cover those costs while supporting local workers.
This legislation feels rushed and one-sided. I urge the Council to work with owners like me to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Roy Lindfield roy.lindfield@gmail.com
My father who was born in Maui purchased at Lahaina Shores Hotel when it was first built. Our family totally oppose the bill disallowing short term rentals. This will be diasterous for Mauni's economy affecting real estate sale, jobs, taxes and tourism. I do not think the government should have a say so in how we use our property that we own. Look at how much the economy has suffered since the wildfires in August 2023 and we still have not made progress in getting Lahaina rebuilt. I live in CA and we are already rebuilding in Altadena, Pasadena and Palisades when the fires in Janaury 2025 desroyed thousands of home. Why is Maui taking so long to make progress? We continue to pay our HOA dues yet we can't even enter our building. If Maui disallows short term rentals we will definitely be going backwards and this will be very destructive to Maui's economy and its residents who depend on tourism.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
We are fortunate to own a condo at Kapalua in Maui, acquired by our family in the early 1980’s. It was originally acquired for our use for family vacations, but over time we have begun to rent it out to others (short term rentals) when we are not occupying the condo. In doing so, we pay taxes that support the local government and infrastructure (we paid $30,812 in taxes in 2023), and we employ Maui residents who perform regular cleaning and maintenance. In the last year alone, we spent over $33,337 with local Maui firms related to our ownership of our condo.
We understand that Maui is considering the cancellation of the Minatoya exemption which has allowed us to rent out our condo. We have heard that one of the arguments in favor of this change is that the subject properties were “previously built and designed for workforce housing in West Maui.” While this may be true of some of the properties you target, it is not true of our condo. Our condo sits overlooking the Kapalua golf course and was built as a resort property, not for workforce housing. We respectfully request that if you decide to repeal the Minatoya exemption, you exclude from the change those properties, including ours at Kapalua, that were NOT originally intended for workforce housing.
Sincerely,
Greg and Karla Ray
Aloha, my name is Malia and I live by L. Honoapi'ilani with my husband. We bought both a studio unit in a resort complex 12 years ago that is zoned hotel & apartment. This is to supplement our income (we both work two jobs in Wailiku and Ka'anapali). When my husband passed away last 2019, it was renting out this unit to visitors that helped me live in my meager means. When the fires happened, I asked for that unit to be rented out to the displaced victims but FEMA refused because the complex was undergoing a resort-wide plumbing renovation.
Now, the cost of maintaining a studio in that complex is more than I can imagine. The HOA is over $1,200 monthly, the insurance has gone up significantly. So if I were to rent the studio unit, it would be over $2000 that does not even include electricity!
Most if not all of these Minatoya units are old and very expensive to maintain. The rent for long term is just not going to be affordable to most people..even I can't stay there for more than a week! My cousin lost their home in the fire and even he refuses to live in the studio.
I therefore oppose this bill as it is not good option to provide affordable housing to the residents. Mahalo nui for reading my testimony.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose that the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude the Mahina Surf.
Background on Mahina Surf
Mahina Surf was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties.
Mahina Surf owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years.
Mahina Surf has never been workforce housing so Mahina Surf is not an example of a property that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Mahina Surf are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking.
Owners purchased units at Mahina Surf with the reasonable expectation that short-term rentals were legal based on ordinances as far back as 1989.
In reliance on the Maui County ordinances and published documents, Hawaii state law, and constitutional protections, owners invested in costly renovations, furnishings, and long-term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of short-term rental right offensive to each buyer’s investment-backed expectations.
Mahina Surf provides full-time, benefited, employment for local resident employees; some have worked at the property for over 25 years.
Mahina Surf supports a wide variety of local trade professionals including pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, flooring, and tree trimming.
I thank the members of the committee for their service and for taking the time to read my testimony in opposition of Bill 9.
Regards,
Kelly Sandstrom
My wife and I are short-term rental property owners in the Honokowai area of West Maui, and we are writing to express our opposition to the proposal to eliminate short-term rental units such as ours. Our renters are generally couples who stay for around one week, frequenting restaurants, food trucks, shops, and attractions in the area. Many are repeat visitors. In 2024, the condo was occupied by visitors for 245 nights. We typically have bookings for up to a year in advance but, with the uncertainty involved with this proposal, we have very few bookings past this coming July 1. A vacant condo does no good for anyone.
Our condo is managed by a local property management firm, to which we paid $11,100 in 2024. They, in turn, contract with local cleaning and maintenance contractors, to which we paid $2,568 in 2024. We also paid the following taxes in 2024: GET, $2,615; MCTAT, $1,665; TAT, $5,688; and Real Estate Tax, $9,399. All of the above will either go away or be drastically reduced if the proposed elimination is carried out.
For the above reasons, I believe that the proposed ban on short-term rentals is a bad idea for everyone. I respectfully ask that you reconsider.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
William Cofer
wsuhokie@gmail.com, 509-432-1251