HLU-4 Bill 9 (2025) BILL 9 (2025), AMENDING CHAPTERS 19.12, 19.32, AND 19.37, MAUI COUNTY CODE, RELATING TO TRANSIENT VACATION RENTALS IN APARTMENT DISTRICTS (HLU-4)
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
Our names are Aaron and Jayne Mednick, and we own a short-term rental property in Maui County. We are writing today to express our deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
We’ve worked hard to be responsible and community-oriented owners. We recommend local restaurants and tour guides in our welcome guide. We employ local service providers — management company, cleaners, and repairmen — many of whom have become like family over the years. Our guests often leave Maui saying they felt more connected to the island because of the personal experience they had in our home.
Some of our 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 us, but to all the small businesses they supported during their stay.
Owning in our 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. We urge the Council to work with owners like us to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, provides affordable housing and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely. The phasing out of STR will not solve the problem of affordable housing.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Aaron and Jayne Mednick
203-509-6169 / aaronmednick216@gmail.com
I oppose the STR ban. Banning STRs will do nothing to help make housing more affordable for locals. Many of the people claiming to be "Maui natives" deserving of free housing endowments from those of us who invested in STRs are just Chi Chi drinking, Mahalo Rewards member fake natives or Lahaina Strong sycophants. Don't be fooled by their ruse.
The proposal is a simple wealth transfer from those of us who worked hard and used sweat equity to help build Maui's tourist economy.
I am an owner at Koa Resort since 2008. Koa Resort has been on the Minatota List allowing us to short-term rent when we are not personally using our home. I have also been a AOAO board member for more than 10 years. Very few of the units at Koa Resort are owner occupied or rented full-time due to the costs of ownership and the resort nature of the complex. The cost of maintaining older wooden buildings has escalated faster than inflation, especially since the Lahaina fires resulting in fire insurance jumping many fold overnight resulting in special assessments. Long- term renting our home is not an option as the cost of ownership the potential income from long-term rental.
We and our guests support numerous Maui full-time residents that rely on short-term visitors to Maui for their livelihood. Not just cleaners but jewelers, restaurants, shops, tours, property managers and much much more. Many of our renters are attracted to Koa Resort as a cost effective place for multigenerational gatherings and celebrations. With a pool, pickleball/tennis courts, ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, cabana with grills for dining together families can celebrate many special occasions and make lasting memories of how special Maui is.
Tourism is down on Maui. We have seen some of our vendors leave the islands because of declining demand for their services. Concern over job stability by getting rid of the Minatota list is hurting our ability to rent our units and keep people employed. The negative publicity around this topic has people wondering if Maui has lost its Aloha and if they should spend their travel dollars going elsewhere. The risk of will my condo be available is scaring potential visitors away.
Please reject this bill and allow residents reliant on short-term rentals and owners to put this issue to rest. Additionally, please define an expedited process for complexes like Koa Resort , Wailea Ekolu… to apply for rezoning to match current use as short - term rentals under hotel zoning.
Mahalo Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I am greatly apposed to Bill 9 which was created to phase out short term rentals. I am a single, senior woman. I purchased my two bedroom condo at Kanai A Nalu (built in the 1970's), in Maalaea in 2005, for almost $600,000. It was a legal licensed vacation rental at the time. For 20 years, I have reported and paid in tens of thousands of dollars in Accommodation, Excise & MCTAT taxes, to support the state of Hawaii, Maui County. It was purchased so I could supplement my social security (which is under $1,000 a month). I have put my BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS and lots of money into fixing it up as it was in original condition. It took years to build up the bookings. During the shutdown due to Covid, I lost over $40,000 in bookings, and had to borrow money to keep my condo afloat. I worked very hard to increase my bookings. After the 2023 fire, the governor told visitors to stay away, then months later, begged them to return. Then he said he needed 3,000 vacation rentals to rent long term to residents. He threatened to bring down the hammer on us. He achieved getting the 3,000 units, but he still threatened vacation rental owners again, over and over. I slowly increased my bookings with lots of expensive advertising. I needed to make my mortgage payment of $2,635. Over the years my costs have increased by a lot. The HOA dues are @ $1,200 per month, the utilities average $320 per month, the insurance is @ $203 per month, the ground lease fee is $1,400 per month and the insane property taxes are @ $10,600 per year (they will go again next year). Even through it's a leasehold property we are assessed as a fee simple property. And there is an assessment each month to pay for a $2,000,000.00 loan the owners and the board took out to try and save the complex from raising sea level. With my mortgage and all these costs, it totals almost $6,200 per month. With all these fixed costs, no resident on Maui could afford my unit as their home. It has one parking spot, and NO STORAGE. I could never cover the costs of my condo if it was not a corner, beach front unit, with an oversized lanai, amazing views and lots of expensive amenities (I added to increase the bookings), IF IT WAS NOT A SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL. I support a management company run by a widow with three children, my cleaners, a handyman, the people who fix my appliances, the air conditioning techs, all my purchases from Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Target, and so many other Maui merchants. I love Maui and it's residents, but, there is no way I will let the governor take my vacation rental which will bankrupt me and destroy my retirement. Also....letting me "keep" it as a vacation rental for 3 to 5 more years while you phase out it, and all the other vacation rentals is total B.S. Thanks but no thanks!!!. I will join any and all lawsuits to protect my property from the illegal "taking" of my beloved condo and my life's blood.
Aloha, I own a property at Kapalua Ridge Villas, I moved here because of the spirit of Aloha, and the people of Hawaii who are hard working, community oriented, and kind. I strongly support this bill mainly because local people who only know Maui as home, and do not have another home or shelter to go to like most "owners" do that are in opposition of this bill. Maui residents should no longer suffer due to greed. Maui residents should be able to live on their island. 90% of Lahaina burn residents remain displaced and unaffordability even in temporary housing which is very disheartened. Vacation rental exacerbates the housing shortages for residents these properties are owned by out of state individuals and are not available for long turn residency. These "owners" have homes to raise their children and ensure them that they are safe, and secure when tucking then in for the night. Once again the owners are only thinking about themselves. Only if once people would stop being greedy do what is right and open those homes that they have made hundreds of thousands of dollars for decades. Allow local families thrive on Maui. The desire for Maui residents to be able to live on their island is a fundamental one, and addressing the interconnected issues of housing economic stability and environmental resilience is crucial for the well-being and future of the community. Also their are some human beings that own several properties on island that means more than one. it about balance. Prioritize resident well being, ensure that tourism recovery do not at the expense of residents need for housing any longer. Converting STR to long term housing is the most direct and impactful strategy. People "owners" are putting their properties up for sale because they fear that they will not be able to make more money on STR. What a shame money over humanity, stricter enforcement and licensing on Maui must be implemented. Once again we must make sure our community can raise their children and families as design. Owners that have multiple properties on Maui is indeed a significant factor in this housing this crisis, driving up prices and creating high income through STR then contributes to inflated property values which makes it impossible for local residents with good jobs to afford to buy or rent a home is very sad. We must stop this inhumane, profitability and ethical, dilemma no more. Owners say what about the local jobs, well the locals will not have jobs because they don't have a home first. We must house our families first and Maui will survive. Without the Locals what will happen to Maui It's a frightening thought Malama "Aina the connection between the people and environment is a responsibility Hawaiian Culture spiritual well being, and community health. Without the people Maui will not be the same. tourism will survive, when the people survive
My name is Bob Bowen and I oppose this bill. I am 79. My wife and invested our savings in Maui and we never imagined that the short term rental rules would change, seriously damaging our retirement income.
Our STR condo was never designed for full time living. It has no storage, and parking is inadequate even if only one car existed per apartment, which would not be the case.
In addition, if this bill passes, many small businesses that rely on tourism won’t survive.
I strongly oppose Bill 9.
I strongly encourage housing for the people of Maui. Banning short term rentals in A1-A2 zoning is not the solution. Build more homes for locals,make the permitting easier at less cost. Rezone A-1- A-2 zoning to H zoning and collect the taxes accordingly. The economic cost will be devastating to Maui.
Aloha Maui Council Members
I oppose Bill 9. I have been a resident of Maui for 23 years and am also a vacation rental owner. I firmly believe this bill will cause more harm than good to our community. It threatens the livelihoods of countless local residents. If passed, income will drop for many, businesses will be forced to close, and thousands of jobs will be lost. This includes housekeepers, handymen and contractors, plumbers, A/C technicians, restaurant personnel, property managers, small retailers, and activity providers.
The vacation rentals in question are located within designated “resort” communities. These areas were never intended to provide affordable housing. The cost of living in these communities is prohibitively high — HOA dues and electric bills alone on my condo reach nearly $3,000 per month, not including mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. Who can realistically afford that? Only the wealthy — or those who are able to generate revenue through vacation rentals. These costs continue to rise every year. Even if home prices were to temporarily dip, these units would still not offer sustainable, affordable housing, nor would they serve the families who need housing the most.
If we want real solutions, we must look to successful models. I recently saw an ad for the new Hale O’Piʻikea affordable housing development in Kīhei ($897-$1897) for a 3 bedroom unit— a great example of what can be done. It leverages multi-level funding from both federal and state programs. And crucially, funding for these programs is made possible by property tax revenue — including the $160 million generated last year from short-term rental properties. These new affordable housing projects are designed with long-term affordability in mind, offering lower maintenance costs than aging resort communities ever could.
Banning short-term rentals in expensive resort areas will not solve our housing crisis. Other states and cities have tried similar approaches — and it did not work. This bill will not create affordability. It will only create economic damage — to our neighbors, our economy, and our island community. I am deeply concerned about the far-reaching consequences this bill will have.
Do apartments have a separate guest check-in building, that is open 24x7? Our complex at Kamaole Sands does. It has a very nicely designed separate stand alone building specifically for the purposes of guest check-ins 24x7, just like a hotel!!
Between this year, 2025 and last year, 2024, my husband and I have spent $66,000.00 in assessments for our 2 Condos at Kamaole Sands for new waste pipes and roofs. During this time period our rentals were down by at least 30%. Because of the waste pipe project we will be spending another $60-$70K for bathroom renovations, since they are opening the walls to access the pipes.
Our association fees went from $1089 to $1571, because of insurance costs.
I ask, Is this affordable housing?
We have had many units T our complex go up for sale since June of last year and not sold. If this is to be affordable housing for the locals, then why haven’t they been bought to fulfill the housing shortage?
And by the way, on the Maui County tax records, our units mysteriously changed from tax type Condo/Hotel to Apartment. All the years prior to 2017 the tax type was Condo/Hotel. How does this just happen?
Testimony of Nā Alakaʻi o ʻAhahui o Hawaiʻi
Before the Housing and Land Use Committee
Monday, June 9, 2025 10:00 AM
Maui County Council Building
200 South High Street, 8th Floor
Wailuku, HI 96793
Re: In strong SUPPORT of Bill 9 (2025) eliminating Minatoya short-term rentals and phasing out transient vacation rentals
Aloha e Chair and Maui County Councilmembers,
We are the alakaʻi of ʻAhahui o Hawaiʻi (“the Hui”), an organization of law student advocates at the William S. Richardson School of Law. For over 50 years, the Hui has advocated for Native Hawaiian justice in all areas of law, especially those affecting Native Hawaiian communities, traditional and customary practices, resource management, and environmental protection. Today, we submit this testimony in STRONG SUPPORT of BILL 9.
Maui kama‘āina must be prioritized in the wake of devastating physical, financial, and emotional loss. The island, specifically Maui Komohana, has faced the consequences of stolen water for decades, which culminated in the Lāhainā wildfires and loss of thousands of homes. Building new homes requires diverting more water than exists in our streams because developers’ and tourists’ interests continue to be prioritized over the legal and moral rights of Hawaiians and local ‘ohana. Eliminating the Minatoya List, which affects just a small percentage of short-term rental owners who are actual Maui residents, is a comparatively quick fix to provide housing for our suffering families. There is no excuse or reason for Bill 9 not to prevail at this time. The data shows that there are too many short-term vacation rentals that often sit unoccupied. Allowing Maui families to continue being displaced nearly two years after the fires, while homes sit vacant, is criminal, immoral, and needs to be addressed immediately.
We urge the Council to SUPPORT BILL 9 and mālama the po‘e of Maui and end the State’s priority of large developers who ravage our lands and their out-of-state tourist clients.
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide this testimony.
My name is Carl E. (Joe) Gatlin and I would respectfully like to offer written testimony in opposition to the repeal of the Minatoya Act, which allows short term rentals on Maui.
My wife, Linda, and I bought an 850 square foot condominium at Maui Kamaole in 2004. For the entire time we have been owners we have operated our condominium in compliance with all laws and regulations, paid our taxes, employed local contractors and suppliers, and contributed to the local economy. In 2015, we upgraded and remodeled our condominium, spending more than $150,000 dollars in the process. Those were 2015 dollars, not 2025 dollars. To the maximum extent possible, we used locally sourced materials and employed local contractors and suppliers.
First, we are not the “bad guys” here. We are residents of Maui, not some far-off, monolithic corporation squeezing every bit of revenue we can from our condominium. Generally, about 40 percent of our days rented each year are from returning guests. We manage the rentals ourselves. In 2024, our small, one-bedroom, condominium generated more than $26,000 in taxes (property, MCTAT, TAT and GET). In 2025, that figure was more than $21,000. In the last nine years, our condominium has generated almost $61,000 in property taxes and that figure is increasing at an alarming rate – by almost 45 percent between 2023 and 2024. Our gross revenue in 2024 was more than $68,000. In 2023 that figure was more than $78,000. In 2024, our expenses exceeded our revenue by almost $8500. One can easily see the chilling effect that the Lahaina fire and the absence of the Aloha spirit by some has had on the tourist industry – Maui’s major economic engine. Potential tourists are aware of the discussion regarding the Minatoya Act. If the County’s objective is drive away tourism – you are succeeding.
I have seen previous testimony by some residents who want to overturn the Minatoya Act and prohibit STRs. Their anger and disdain towards STR owners was palpable. Was I born on Maui? No. Have I lived on Maui my entire life? No. I cannot help where I was born and I spent more than 31 years in the Navy. During the Vietnam war I served in a Destroyer home ported in Pearl Harbor. When I see the testimony by some of the residents directed at owners like me, I wonder how many of them would have joined the military, worked and served in some of the places that I did. Not many, I think.
Repealing the Minatoya Act will not solve the affordable housing crisis on Maui, plain and simple. Affordable housing is not solely a Maui problem. It is a world-wide problem. In the past year, The Wall Street Journal published several articles addressing this issue, including Portugal and Spain. Residents there are not happy that tourists have “invaded” their country, but the local leaders know that they need the tourist revenue to pay for much needed services and infrastructure.
Many of the complexes on Maui are not suited for conversion to long-term rentals. The renter(s) would ultimately be paying for landscaping and infrastructure originally intended for tourists. Parking and the prohibition of pets are other issues.
I have had occasion recently to be on the mainland, because my wife is undergoing treatment for cancer. I observed that communities like Irvine, California, are constructing high density, multi-story apartment building developments to address the problem. The County needs to develop the infrastructure to support affordable housing like this, rather than take away a much-needed source of revenue.
Thank you for your consideration.
Joe Gatlin
Maui Kamaole
My family is in favor of building long term affordable housing on Maui. As a STR owner on the island I am supportive of paying taxes that directly fund affordable housing.
Studies show that without the STRs currently on island, the economy would suffer greatly and impact many workers and business owners.
Let’s work together to make things better on Maui and make sure there is a balanced approach that will be beneficial to the community overall.
My name is Keoni Napakua , and I own a small business on Maui that depends on tourism. I’m testifying in strong opposition to Bill 9.
If this bill passes as written, my business won’t survive.
The visitors who stay in short-term rentals are our customers. They walk through our doors, they support our services, and they help me keep my employees working. If thousands of those rentals are suddenly shut down, those visitors won’t come—and my income will disappear with them.
I’m not a corporation. I’m not an off-island investor. I live here. I work here. And I’m scared that this bill will destroy the livelihood I’ve spent years building.
I respectfully ask you to stop this bill or change it so that small, local businesses like mine aren’t collateral damage.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Members,
We oppose the legislation ending short term rentals on Maui. We are grandparents to two Maui-raised children and come to visit as much a we can, renting our condo to help cover expenses when we are not able to be there. Our daughter and son-in-law have had their income cut by 75% since the fire, as his job is at a hotel. At least they earn a management fee for overseeing the condo. Times are tough for almost everyone on Maui.
We believe this legislation will not help the residents and instead cause further damage to the economy. First Covid, then the fire and now this. Why introduce more misery than already has happened. Instead, begin by converting only the most affordable units and see how that works out. For instance, many families with children or with jobs near Kahului didn't want to be in West Maui, even though they could live there rent-free for a time. Would they buy a home there? Find out. Take a first step, not an irreversible plunge.The big downside could be the mainland real estate conglomerates buying up the condos instead. They are not good neighbors. That can't be what you want for Maui.
You must be aware of all this. Please make a decision for the betterment of your residents, especially those who work for a living - including all the businesses that employ the workers. I know that some who were forced to leave Maui want to come back. The more time passes the harder that becomes. And they will need jobs to come home.
Our Kahana condo which we purchased in 1974 is and has never been an apartment. It has always been a beachfront rental. We even had a front desk for rentals from 1974-1988. We oppose this “taking” of our property and intend to pursue every possible legal action if this is implemented
As a 30+ yrs.’ Maui real estate owner, I have completed research, interviews, and analysis for the past 4 months on the Minatoya list apartments. My conclusion: Minatoya list apts. are not now, and will not be suitable or affordable for Maui’s current and future housing needs, due to:
A)UNSUITABLE PROPERTY DESIGNS: These 6,172 apts. were originally designed and built, and have been utilized for decades, for occupancy by vacationers, and/or for family recreation or retirement. These apts. are small (mostly 500+ sq. ft./ 1 br. apt., and some 700+ sq. ft. 2br., 1 bath apts.) and are not inviting for a Maui family’s (or even a couple’s) longer term “home”. These apts. have no garage/storage for belongings, no fenced play areas, limited closet space, no pets allowed, no private yards, and only 1 bathroom. As a result of these designs, and the age of the properties, the homeowners’ assn. (HOA) fee is typically over $1,000 per month ( see Schedule 1.0 survey attached).
B)FINANCIALLY BURDENED PROPERTIES: The Minatoya list apts. were all constructed prior to 1989…with 77 of the 104 apt. complexes built in the ‘70’s or prior….and the remaining 27 built in the ‘80’s. Therefore, besides the high monthly HOA operating costs, the periodic capital expenditures required to maintain these aged apts. are significant and include:
**Spalling—for periodic repairs of corrosion in concrete walls & decks.
**Elevator—for replacement after 30+ yrs. service ….recently $10,300 per apt. at a Maalaea apt. complex.
**Plumbing— replacement of all cast iron piping (now deteriorating) throughout all apts. is required on pre-1989 apts. Current replacement cost is $31,945 to $43,721 per 1 or 2 bdrm. apt. at a recent Kihei apt.complex.
**Sewage—treatment solutions are outdated and/or no longer permitted (ie injection wells) at older buildings ( a new on-site system…costs at least $28,000 per apt.
**Parking—Periodic repairs/replacement of large shared parking, and private driveway areas.
Therefore, a significant increase in any long term apt. rents would be required to cover continuing expenditures.
C)EXPENSIVE RENTS: The Minatoya apts. are not/will not be affordable for Maui workers and families…..when compared to other Maui rentals….such as Ohanas, duplexes, houses,etc.,,,,,ie simpler properties without vacationer amenities/design. Even with the current 30% to 40% drops in STR apts.’ market prices (affected by the threat of a STR ban), the rent (in excess of $3400/Mo.) required to even break even (financially) on a Minatoya apt. is not attractive to Maui residents/workers. Unlike more modest, simpler Maui properties, these STRs have HOA fees in the range of $1,000/ mo., along with taxes, insurance, and property maintenance, that must be paid before there is any financial return to any apt. owner. For example, the May 2025 the median condo sale price has decreased to $762,500. If this median price were to drop as much as 50% to approx. $390,000:
MONTHLY COSTS TO OWN (OR RENT) AN STR DESIGN APT.:
$74—Insurance--$880/yr
114—Property Tax: $390k@$3.50/k:$1365/yr
2218---Monthly Mortgage: $381k@6.5% interest
1050---Monthly HOA Fee (Schedule 1.0)
$3456 MIN. PER MONTH COST TO OWN A 1Bdr. STR APT
As a result, the Minatoya apts.’ rents cannot compete with more modest property designs (without pool, spa, elevator, parking lot, etc.)…ie. family-friendly properties that have a garage and/or private yard.
Most telling is the fact that Maui residents/workers/families have not and are not renting/occupying Minatoya (or similar STR) apts. that have been, and are currently, offered for rent (see Schedule 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 surveys). Currently approx. 50% of STR design apts. for rent have been on the market for a month or longer. So we must face: If Maui residents are not renting now, why would they be renting after a ban is enacted?
D)ERRONEOUS ASSUMPTION: We have heard: “convert these units into long-term housing for local residents”…..assuming that Maui residents/workers/families can/will occupy the Minatoya apts. The combination of unsuitable apt. design/features, and expensive ownership or rents, is likely to discourage Maui residents’ from owning or renting Minatoya apts. Bill 9 does not determine if any of these apts. would be offered as a long term rental. The apt. owner determines this. Current owners have no obligation to offer their apts. to long term renters. In a recent survey of STR owners, only 8% said they would offer their apts. for long tern rental, if an STR ban is enacted. Most owners have purchased their apts. (at least in part) for enjoyment of all that beautiful Maui has to offer. So, if STRs were no longer allowed, owners can/will keep their apt. for their own personal use/enjoyment as:
**Continued Part-time residency and use or/and:
**Retirement (part-time or eventual full time) or/and:
**Family members’ vacations or/and:
**Friends’ and acquaintances’ vacations or/and:
**Remote or work-from-home professionals (that can afford the rents, and desire the amenities)
E) ILLEGAL TAKING OF PROPERTY RIGHTS will surely be argued in court by attornies that are well paid by the 6,172 property owners who could loose over $2.0 billion of property value (see Schedule 3.0).
Courts define: “Inverse Condemnation occurs when a government limits a citizen's private property rights if they lose an essential element of those rights. The loss can be considered a “taking.” In that case, the citizen is entitled to compensation for the property's loss of value.”
Besides the financial losses of STR rents, Bill 9 would destroy these STRs’ property values. Under the threat of an STR ban, typical Minatoya apts. are suffering continuing, current “price drops” on properties that are listed, but not selling. As shown on Schedule 3.0, for a typical, and most recent STR sale, the loss in value amounts to $333,000 per apt. to date. The total litigated loss of value for 6,127 apts would amount to at least $2.0 billion. Surely Maui County’s large legal expenses for defending such lawsuits could be better spent elsewhere.
CONCLUSION: For: “Our residents must come first”, and “protecting our people..it’s a moral responsibility”, and “not one more family having to leave Maui”…….these ideals are not likely to be achieved by Bill 9.
Rather than bore you with public information regarding sales, fees, taxes, assessments and the fact that parking and storage for full time residential needs in any community but in particular ours on Maui,which of course you are well aware of and can be referenced at any time I will leave you with the challenge of discovering and due diligence in your part to unravel, reveal and acknowledge the Death Sentence to the people of Maui in which this Bill would impose
A better solution would be to use the dollars created by recent tax hikes to actually build housing communities that will serve and provide for our precious and invaluable residents and natives of Maui
Thank you for the required opportunity you have provided to share comments
I do hope for the sake of the people, community and betterment of Maui that you pencil out the “REAL” effects of what is being proposed
My name is Susan Fereira and I strongly oppose The proposition to phase out short term rentals
I have followed all the rules, got the proper permits and pay my taxes
Closing these units will have a devastating financial impact in all levels in Maui
Having numerous employees who will lose a livelihood. Residents who rely on this income to support themselves.
Units that have sold in my area, have been purchased by people who live in the mainland, and have moved to Maui
This has put a strain on the medical system and other services. also causing a drop in property values with over 48 units for sale in one area of South Maui alone. residents could purchase these units, but this has not been the case
Maui has suffered enough financial impact in the past few years. Removing these short term rentals will only aggravate this problem.
I strongly oppose the passing of this bill. Wrong from Maui wrong for the economy.
Respectfully submitted
Susan Fereira
My name is Leo Lau, and I am the owner of a short-term rental in Wailea. I’m writing today to respectfully and strongly oppose the proposal to phase out legal vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas.
Our unit represents a place we’ve carefully maintained and shared with families for over a decade. During the wildfires, we immediately donated over 5 figures to a dear friend who lost everything, because we care deeply about the people of Maui. We’re not absentee investors — we’re committed members of the Maui community.
Many of our winter guests return year after year. What they value most is the quiet residential feel of our complex, the full kitchen to cook local produce, and the in-unit laundry — things that make them feel at home rather than like tourists in a hotel. They’ve told us they wouldn’t visit Maui if short-term rentals like ours weren’t available.
We also go out of our way to support Maui’s economy. We keep brochures in our unit for local tour operators and guides. Our cleaners and repair crews are all local — people we’ve come to know and trust over the years. This income doesn’t just support us — it supports them.
Eliminating short-term rentals like ours would not free up affordable housing — luxury units in Wailea are not suitable for the average family. But it would cause real damage to the small businesses and local workers who depend on our guests. Modeling our expenses under long term rental still results in monthly fixed costs several multiples of the average corresponding rent.
I urge you to find a more balanced solution — one that upholds high standards, protects neighborhood character, but also respects the contributions of responsible STR owners like us.
As an immigrant from Hong Kong, I grew up in low cost, dorm style housing with government subsidy. Affordable housing construction using STR taxes would be an ideal method.
Mahalo for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
Our names are Aaron and Jayne Mednick, and we own a short-term rental property in Maui County. We are writing today to express our deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
We’ve worked hard to be responsible and community-oriented owners. We recommend local restaurants and tour guides in our welcome guide. We employ local service providers — management company, cleaners, and repairmen — many of whom have become like family over the years. Our guests often leave Maui saying they felt more connected to the island because of the personal experience they had in our home.
Some of our 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 us, but to all the small businesses they supported during their stay.
Owning in our 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. We urge the Council to work with owners like us to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, provides affordable housing and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely. The phasing out of STR will not solve the problem of affordable housing.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Aaron and Jayne Mednick
203-509-6169 / aaronmednick216@gmail.com
Horrible for the economy
I oppose the STR ban. Banning STRs will do nothing to help make housing more affordable for locals. Many of the people claiming to be "Maui natives" deserving of free housing endowments from those of us who invested in STRs are just Chi Chi drinking, Mahalo Rewards member fake natives or Lahaina Strong sycophants. Don't be fooled by their ruse.
The proposal is a simple wealth transfer from those of us who worked hard and used sweat equity to help build Maui's tourist economy.
Do not pass this bill.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
I am an owner at Koa Resort since 2008. Koa Resort has been on the Minatota List allowing us to short-term rent when we are not personally using our home. I have also been a AOAO board member for more than 10 years. Very few of the units at Koa Resort are owner occupied or rented full-time due to the costs of ownership and the resort nature of the complex. The cost of maintaining older wooden buildings has escalated faster than inflation, especially since the Lahaina fires resulting in fire insurance jumping many fold overnight resulting in special assessments. Long- term renting our home is not an option as the cost of ownership the potential income from long-term rental.
We and our guests support numerous Maui full-time residents that rely on short-term visitors to Maui for their livelihood. Not just cleaners but jewelers, restaurants, shops, tours, property managers and much much more. Many of our renters are attracted to Koa Resort as a cost effective place for multigenerational gatherings and celebrations. With a pool, pickleball/tennis courts, ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, cabana with grills for dining together families can celebrate many special occasions and make lasting memories of how special Maui is.
Tourism is down on Maui. We have seen some of our vendors leave the islands because of declining demand for their services. Concern over job stability by getting rid of the Minatota list is hurting our ability to rent our units and keep people employed. The negative publicity around this topic has people wondering if Maui has lost its Aloha and if they should spend their travel dollars going elsewhere. The risk of will my condo be available is scaring potential visitors away.
Please reject this bill and allow residents reliant on short-term rentals and owners to put this issue to rest. Additionally, please define an expedited process for complexes like Koa Resort , Wailea Ekolu… to apply for rezoning to match current use as short - term rentals under hotel zoning.
Respectfully,
Pam Schlauderaff
Mahalo Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee,
I am greatly apposed to Bill 9 which was created to phase out short term rentals. I am a single, senior woman. I purchased my two bedroom condo at Kanai A Nalu (built in the 1970's), in Maalaea in 2005, for almost $600,000. It was a legal licensed vacation rental at the time. For 20 years, I have reported and paid in tens of thousands of dollars in Accommodation, Excise & MCTAT taxes, to support the state of Hawaii, Maui County. It was purchased so I could supplement my social security (which is under $1,000 a month). I have put my BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS and lots of money into fixing it up as it was in original condition. It took years to build up the bookings. During the shutdown due to Covid, I lost over $40,000 in bookings, and had to borrow money to keep my condo afloat. I worked very hard to increase my bookings. After the 2023 fire, the governor told visitors to stay away, then months later, begged them to return. Then he said he needed 3,000 vacation rentals to rent long term to residents. He threatened to bring down the hammer on us. He achieved getting the 3,000 units, but he still threatened vacation rental owners again, over and over. I slowly increased my bookings with lots of expensive advertising. I needed to make my mortgage payment of $2,635. Over the years my costs have increased by a lot. The HOA dues are @ $1,200 per month, the utilities average $320 per month, the insurance is @ $203 per month, the ground lease fee is $1,400 per month and the insane property taxes are @ $10,600 per year (they will go again next year). Even through it's a leasehold property we are assessed as a fee simple property. And there is an assessment each month to pay for a $2,000,000.00 loan the owners and the board took out to try and save the complex from raising sea level. With my mortgage and all these costs, it totals almost $6,200 per month. With all these fixed costs, no resident on Maui could afford my unit as their home. It has one parking spot, and NO STORAGE. I could never cover the costs of my condo if it was not a corner, beach front unit, with an oversized lanai, amazing views and lots of expensive amenities (I added to increase the bookings), IF IT WAS NOT A SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL. I support a management company run by a widow with three children, my cleaners, a handyman, the people who fix my appliances, the air conditioning techs, all my purchases from Home Depot, Lowes, Walmart, Target, and so many other Maui merchants. I love Maui and it's residents, but, there is no way I will let the governor take my vacation rental which will bankrupt me and destroy my retirement. Also....letting me "keep" it as a vacation rental for 3 to 5 more years while you phase out it, and all the other vacation rentals is total B.S. Thanks but no thanks!!!. I will join any and all lawsuits to protect my property from the illegal "taking" of my beloved condo and my life's blood.
Mahalo,
Upset and very angry
Aloha, I own a property at Kapalua Ridge Villas, I moved here because of the spirit of Aloha, and the people of Hawaii who are hard working, community oriented, and kind. I strongly support this bill mainly because local people who only know Maui as home, and do not have another home or shelter to go to like most "owners" do that are in opposition of this bill. Maui residents should no longer suffer due to greed. Maui residents should be able to live on their island. 90% of Lahaina burn residents remain displaced and unaffordability even in temporary housing which is very disheartened. Vacation rental exacerbates the housing shortages for residents these properties are owned by out of state individuals and are not available for long turn residency. These "owners" have homes to raise their children and ensure them that they are safe, and secure when tucking then in for the night. Once again the owners are only thinking about themselves. Only if once people would stop being greedy do what is right and open those homes that they have made hundreds of thousands of dollars for decades. Allow local families thrive on Maui. The desire for Maui residents to be able to live on their island is a fundamental one, and addressing the interconnected issues of housing economic stability and environmental resilience is crucial for the well-being and future of the community. Also their are some human beings that own several properties on island that means more than one. it about balance. Prioritize resident well being, ensure that tourism recovery do not at the expense of residents need for housing any longer. Converting STR to long term housing is the most direct and impactful strategy. People "owners" are putting their properties up for sale because they fear that they will not be able to make more money on STR. What a shame money over humanity, stricter enforcement and licensing on Maui must be implemented. Once again we must make sure our community can raise their children and families as design. Owners that have multiple properties on Maui is indeed a significant factor in this housing this crisis, driving up prices and creating high income through STR then contributes to inflated property values which makes it impossible for local residents with good jobs to afford to buy or rent a home is very sad. We must stop this inhumane, profitability and ethical, dilemma no more. Owners say what about the local jobs, well the locals will not have jobs because they don't have a home first. We must house our families first and Maui will survive. Without the Locals what will happen to Maui It's a frightening thought Malama "Aina the connection between the people and environment is a responsibility Hawaiian Culture spiritual well being, and community health. Without the people Maui will not be the same. tourism will survive, when the people survive
Mahalo
My name is Bob Bowen and I oppose this bill. I am 79. My wife and invested our savings in Maui and we never imagined that the short term rental rules would change, seriously damaging our retirement income.
Our STR condo was never designed for full time living. It has no storage, and parking is inadequate even if only one car existed per apartment, which would not be the case.
In addition, if this bill passes, many small businesses that rely on tourism won’t survive.
How is any of this good for Maui residents?
Mahalo for your time.
I strongly oppose Bill 9.
I strongly encourage housing for the people of Maui. Banning short term rentals in A1-A2 zoning is not the solution. Build more homes for locals,make the permitting easier at less cost. Rezone A-1- A-2 zoning to H zoning and collect the taxes accordingly. The economic cost will be devastating to Maui.
Aloha Maui Council Members
I oppose Bill 9. I have been a resident of Maui for 23 years and am also a vacation rental owner. I firmly believe this bill will cause more harm than good to our community. It threatens the livelihoods of countless local residents. If passed, income will drop for many, businesses will be forced to close, and thousands of jobs will be lost. This includes housekeepers, handymen and contractors, plumbers, A/C technicians, restaurant personnel, property managers, small retailers, and activity providers.
The vacation rentals in question are located within designated “resort” communities. These areas were never intended to provide affordable housing. The cost of living in these communities is prohibitively high — HOA dues and electric bills alone on my condo reach nearly $3,000 per month, not including mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. Who can realistically afford that? Only the wealthy — or those who are able to generate revenue through vacation rentals. These costs continue to rise every year. Even if home prices were to temporarily dip, these units would still not offer sustainable, affordable housing, nor would they serve the families who need housing the most.
If we want real solutions, we must look to successful models. I recently saw an ad for the new Hale O’Piʻikea affordable housing development in Kīhei ($897-$1897) for a 3 bedroom unit— a great example of what can be done. It leverages multi-level funding from both federal and state programs. And crucially, funding for these programs is made possible by property tax revenue — including the $160 million generated last year from short-term rental properties. These new affordable housing projects are designed with long-term affordability in mind, offering lower maintenance costs than aging resort communities ever could.
Banning short-term rentals in expensive resort areas will not solve our housing crisis. Other states and cities have tried similar approaches — and it did not work. This bill will not create affordability. It will only create economic damage — to our neighbors, our economy, and our island community. I am deeply concerned about the far-reaching consequences this bill will have.
Please, vote no on Bill 9.
Thank you, Stacy Kunkel
I oppose this bill.
Do apartments have a separate guest check-in building, that is open 24x7? Our complex at Kamaole Sands does. It has a very nicely designed separate stand alone building specifically for the purposes of guest check-ins 24x7, just like a hotel!!
Between this year, 2025 and last year, 2024, my husband and I have spent $66,000.00 in assessments for our 2 Condos at Kamaole Sands for new waste pipes and roofs. During this time period our rentals were down by at least 30%. Because of the waste pipe project we will be spending another $60-$70K for bathroom renovations, since they are opening the walls to access the pipes.
Our association fees went from $1089 to $1571, because of insurance costs.
I ask, Is this affordable housing?
We have had many units T our complex go up for sale since June of last year and not sold. If this is to be affordable housing for the locals, then why haven’t they been bought to fulfill the housing shortage?
And by the way, on the Maui County tax records, our units mysteriously changed from tax type Condo/Hotel to Apartment. All the years prior to 2017 the tax type was Condo/Hotel. How does this just happen?
Respectfully,
Sharon Purcell
Testimony of Nā Alakaʻi o ʻAhahui o Hawaiʻi
Before the Housing and Land Use Committee
Monday, June 9, 2025 10:00 AM
Maui County Council Building
200 South High Street, 8th Floor
Wailuku, HI 96793
Re: In strong SUPPORT of Bill 9 (2025) eliminating Minatoya short-term rentals and phasing out transient vacation rentals
Aloha e Chair and Maui County Councilmembers,
We are the alakaʻi of ʻAhahui o Hawaiʻi (“the Hui”), an organization of law student advocates at the William S. Richardson School of Law. For over 50 years, the Hui has advocated for Native Hawaiian justice in all areas of law, especially those affecting Native Hawaiian communities, traditional and customary practices, resource management, and environmental protection. Today, we submit this testimony in STRONG SUPPORT of BILL 9.
Maui kama‘āina must be prioritized in the wake of devastating physical, financial, and emotional loss. The island, specifically Maui Komohana, has faced the consequences of stolen water for decades, which culminated in the Lāhainā wildfires and loss of thousands of homes. Building new homes requires diverting more water than exists in our streams because developers’ and tourists’ interests continue to be prioritized over the legal and moral rights of Hawaiians and local ‘ohana. Eliminating the Minatoya List, which affects just a small percentage of short-term rental owners who are actual Maui residents, is a comparatively quick fix to provide housing for our suffering families. There is no excuse or reason for Bill 9 not to prevail at this time. The data shows that there are too many short-term vacation rentals that often sit unoccupied. Allowing Maui families to continue being displaced nearly two years after the fires, while homes sit vacant, is criminal, immoral, and needs to be addressed immediately.
We urge the Council to SUPPORT BILL 9 and mālama the po‘e of Maui and end the State’s priority of large developers who ravage our lands and their out-of-state tourist clients.
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide this testimony.
Nā Alakaʻi o ʻAhahui o Hawaiʻi
Nā Alakaʻi:
Kyle K. Moriguchi (’26)
Bronson Gonzales (’26)
Lenei Naipo (’27)
Derek Kamakanaaloha Soong (’27)
My name is Carl E. (Joe) Gatlin and I would respectfully like to offer written testimony in opposition to the repeal of the Minatoya Act, which allows short term rentals on Maui.
My wife, Linda, and I bought an 850 square foot condominium at Maui Kamaole in 2004. For the entire time we have been owners we have operated our condominium in compliance with all laws and regulations, paid our taxes, employed local contractors and suppliers, and contributed to the local economy. In 2015, we upgraded and remodeled our condominium, spending more than $150,000 dollars in the process. Those were 2015 dollars, not 2025 dollars. To the maximum extent possible, we used locally sourced materials and employed local contractors and suppliers.
First, we are not the “bad guys” here. We are residents of Maui, not some far-off, monolithic corporation squeezing every bit of revenue we can from our condominium. Generally, about 40 percent of our days rented each year are from returning guests. We manage the rentals ourselves. In 2024, our small, one-bedroom, condominium generated more than $26,000 in taxes (property, MCTAT, TAT and GET). In 2025, that figure was more than $21,000. In the last nine years, our condominium has generated almost $61,000 in property taxes and that figure is increasing at an alarming rate – by almost 45 percent between 2023 and 2024. Our gross revenue in 2024 was more than $68,000. In 2023 that figure was more than $78,000. In 2024, our expenses exceeded our revenue by almost $8500. One can easily see the chilling effect that the Lahaina fire and the absence of the Aloha spirit by some has had on the tourist industry – Maui’s major economic engine. Potential tourists are aware of the discussion regarding the Minatoya Act. If the County’s objective is drive away tourism – you are succeeding.
I have seen previous testimony by some residents who want to overturn the Minatoya Act and prohibit STRs. Their anger and disdain towards STR owners was palpable. Was I born on Maui? No. Have I lived on Maui my entire life? No. I cannot help where I was born and I spent more than 31 years in the Navy. During the Vietnam war I served in a Destroyer home ported in Pearl Harbor. When I see the testimony by some of the residents directed at owners like me, I wonder how many of them would have joined the military, worked and served in some of the places that I did. Not many, I think.
Repealing the Minatoya Act will not solve the affordable housing crisis on Maui, plain and simple. Affordable housing is not solely a Maui problem. It is a world-wide problem. In the past year, The Wall Street Journal published several articles addressing this issue, including Portugal and Spain. Residents there are not happy that tourists have “invaded” their country, but the local leaders know that they need the tourist revenue to pay for much needed services and infrastructure.
Many of the complexes on Maui are not suited for conversion to long-term rentals. The renter(s) would ultimately be paying for landscaping and infrastructure originally intended for tourists. Parking and the prohibition of pets are other issues.
I have had occasion recently to be on the mainland, because my wife is undergoing treatment for cancer. I observed that communities like Irvine, California, are constructing high density, multi-story apartment building developments to address the problem. The County needs to develop the infrastructure to support affordable housing like this, rather than take away a much-needed source of revenue.
Thank you for your consideration.
Joe Gatlin
Maui Kamaole
Aloha Maui Council,
My family is in favor of building long term affordable housing on Maui. As a STR owner on the island I am supportive of paying taxes that directly fund affordable housing.
Studies show that without the STRs currently on island, the economy would suffer greatly and impact many workers and business owners.
Let’s work together to make things better on Maui and make sure there is a balanced approach that will be beneficial to the community overall.
I oppose Bill 9.
Thanks
Ken Hamilton
Aloha Chair Kama and Members of the Council,
My name is Keoni Napakua , and I own a small business on Maui that depends on tourism. I’m testifying in strong opposition to Bill 9.
If this bill passes as written, my business won’t survive.
The visitors who stay in short-term rentals are our customers. They walk through our doors, they support our services, and they help me keep my employees working. If thousands of those rentals are suddenly shut down, those visitors won’t come—and my income will disappear with them.
I’m not a corporation. I’m not an off-island investor. I live here. I work here. And I’m scared that this bill will destroy the livelihood I’ve spent years building.
I respectfully ask you to stop this bill or change it so that small, local businesses like mine aren’t collateral damage.
Mahalo for your time.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Members,
We oppose the legislation ending short term rentals on Maui. We are grandparents to two Maui-raised children and come to visit as much a we can, renting our condo to help cover expenses when we are not able to be there. Our daughter and son-in-law have had their income cut by 75% since the fire, as his job is at a hotel. At least they earn a management fee for overseeing the condo. Times are tough for almost everyone on Maui.
We believe this legislation will not help the residents and instead cause further damage to the economy. First Covid, then the fire and now this. Why introduce more misery than already has happened. Instead, begin by converting only the most affordable units and see how that works out. For instance, many families with children or with jobs near Kahului didn't want to be in West Maui, even though they could live there rent-free for a time. Would they buy a home there? Find out. Take a first step, not an irreversible plunge.The big downside could be the mainland real estate conglomerates buying up the condos instead. They are not good neighbors. That can't be what you want for Maui.
You must be aware of all this. Please make a decision for the betterment of your residents, especially those who work for a living - including all the businesses that employ the workers. I know that some who were forced to leave Maui want to come back. The more time passes the harder that becomes. And they will need jobs to come home.
Sincerely,
Roy and Peni Woehrman
This bill is not fair or right
Our Kahana condo which we purchased in 1974 is and has never been an apartment. It has always been a beachfront rental. We even had a front desk for rentals from 1974-1988. We oppose this “taking” of our property and intend to pursue every possible legal action if this is implemented
Dear Mayor Bissen,
RESEARCH ON MINATOYA LIST APARTMENTS
As a 30+ yrs.’ Maui real estate owner, I have completed research, interviews, and analysis for the past 4 months on the Minatoya list apartments. My conclusion: Minatoya list apts. are not now, and will not be suitable or affordable for Maui’s current and future housing needs, due to:
A)UNSUITABLE PROPERTY DESIGNS: These 6,172 apts. were originally designed and built, and have been utilized for decades, for occupancy by vacationers, and/or for family recreation or retirement. These apts. are small (mostly 500+ sq. ft./ 1 br. apt., and some 700+ sq. ft. 2br., 1 bath apts.) and are not inviting for a Maui family’s (or even a couple’s) longer term “home”. These apts. have no garage/storage for belongings, no fenced play areas, limited closet space, no pets allowed, no private yards, and only 1 bathroom. As a result of these designs, and the age of the properties, the homeowners’ assn. (HOA) fee is typically over $1,000 per month ( see Schedule 1.0 survey attached).
B)FINANCIALLY BURDENED PROPERTIES: The Minatoya list apts. were all constructed prior to 1989…with 77 of the 104 apt. complexes built in the ‘70’s or prior….and the remaining 27 built in the ‘80’s. Therefore, besides the high monthly HOA operating costs, the periodic capital expenditures required to maintain these aged apts. are significant and include:
**Spalling—for periodic repairs of corrosion in concrete walls & decks.
**Elevator—for replacement after 30+ yrs. service ….recently $10,300 per apt. at a Maalaea apt. complex.
**Plumbing— replacement of all cast iron piping (now deteriorating) throughout all apts. is required on pre-1989 apts. Current replacement cost is $31,945 to $43,721 per 1 or 2 bdrm. apt. at a recent Kihei apt.complex.
**Sewage—treatment solutions are outdated and/or no longer permitted (ie injection wells) at older buildings ( a new on-site system…costs at least $28,000 per apt.
**Parking—Periodic repairs/replacement of large shared parking, and private driveway areas.
Therefore, a significant increase in any long term apt. rents would be required to cover continuing expenditures.
C)EXPENSIVE RENTS: The Minatoya apts. are not/will not be affordable for Maui workers and families…..when compared to other Maui rentals….such as Ohanas, duplexes, houses,etc.,,,,,ie simpler properties without vacationer amenities/design. Even with the current 30% to 40% drops in STR apts.’ market prices (affected by the threat of a STR ban), the rent (in excess of $3400/Mo.) required to even break even (financially) on a Minatoya apt. is not attractive to Maui residents/workers. Unlike more modest, simpler Maui properties, these STRs have HOA fees in the range of $1,000/ mo., along with taxes, insurance, and property maintenance, that must be paid before there is any financial return to any apt. owner. For example, the May 2025 the median condo sale price has decreased to $762,500. If this median price were to drop as much as 50% to approx. $390,000:
MONTHLY COSTS TO OWN (OR RENT) AN STR DESIGN APT.:
$74—Insurance--$880/yr
114—Property Tax: $390k@$3.50/k:$1365/yr
2218---Monthly Mortgage: $381k@6.5% interest
1050---Monthly HOA Fee (Schedule 1.0)
$3456 MIN. PER MONTH COST TO OWN A 1Bdr. STR APT
As a result, the Minatoya apts.’ rents cannot compete with more modest property designs (without pool, spa, elevator, parking lot, etc.)…ie. family-friendly properties that have a garage and/or private yard.
Most telling is the fact that Maui residents/workers/families have not and are not renting/occupying Minatoya (or similar STR) apts. that have been, and are currently, offered for rent (see Schedule 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 surveys). Currently approx. 50% of STR design apts. for rent have been on the market for a month or longer. So we must face: If Maui residents are not renting now, why would they be renting after a ban is enacted?
D)ERRONEOUS ASSUMPTION: We have heard: “convert these units into long-term housing for local residents”…..assuming that Maui residents/workers/families can/will occupy the Minatoya apts. The combination of unsuitable apt. design/features, and expensive ownership or rents, is likely to discourage Maui residents’ from owning or renting Minatoya apts. Bill 9 does not determine if any of these apts. would be offered as a long term rental. The apt. owner determines this. Current owners have no obligation to offer their apts. to long term renters. In a recent survey of STR owners, only 8% said they would offer their apts. for long tern rental, if an STR ban is enacted. Most owners have purchased their apts. (at least in part) for enjoyment of all that beautiful Maui has to offer. So, if STRs were no longer allowed, owners can/will keep their apt. for their own personal use/enjoyment as:
**Continued Part-time residency and use or/and:
**Retirement (part-time or eventual full time) or/and:
**Family members’ vacations or/and:
**Friends’ and acquaintances’ vacations or/and:
**Remote or work-from-home professionals (that can afford the rents, and desire the amenities)
E) ILLEGAL TAKING OF PROPERTY RIGHTS will surely be argued in court by attornies that are well paid by the 6,172 property owners who could loose over $2.0 billion of property value (see Schedule 3.0).
Courts define: “Inverse Condemnation occurs when a government limits a citizen's private property rights if they lose an essential element of those rights. The loss can be considered a “taking.” In that case, the citizen is entitled to compensation for the property's loss of value.”
Besides the financial losses of STR rents, Bill 9 would destroy these STRs’ property values. Under the threat of an STR ban, typical Minatoya apts. are suffering continuing, current “price drops” on properties that are listed, but not selling. As shown on Schedule 3.0, for a typical, and most recent STR sale, the loss in value amounts to $333,000 per apt. to date. The total litigated loss of value for 6,127 apts would amount to at least $2.0 billion. Surely Maui County’s large legal expenses for defending such lawsuits could be better spent elsewhere.
CONCLUSION: For: “Our residents must come first”, and “protecting our people..it’s a moral responsibility”, and “not one more family having to leave Maui”…….these ideals are not likely to be achieved by Bill 9.
Rather than bore you with public information regarding sales, fees, taxes, assessments and the fact that parking and storage for full time residential needs in any community but in particular ours on Maui,which of course you are well aware of and can be referenced at any time I will leave you with the challenge of discovering and due diligence in your part to unravel, reveal and acknowledge the Death Sentence to the people of Maui in which this Bill would impose
A better solution would be to use the dollars created by recent tax hikes to actually build housing communities that will serve and provide for our precious and invaluable residents and natives of Maui
Thank you for the required opportunity you have provided to share comments
I do hope for the sake of the people, community and betterment of Maui that you pencil out the “REAL” effects of what is being proposed
Aloha,
Terri Zager
190 Hauoli St
My name is Susan Fereira and I strongly oppose The proposition to phase out short term rentals
I have followed all the rules, got the proper permits and pay my taxes
Closing these units will have a devastating financial impact in all levels in Maui
Having numerous employees who will lose a livelihood. Residents who rely on this income to support themselves.
Units that have sold in my area, have been purchased by people who live in the mainland, and have moved to Maui
This has put a strain on the medical system and other services. also causing a drop in property values with over 48 units for sale in one area of South Maui alone. residents could purchase these units, but this has not been the case
Maui has suffered enough financial impact in the past few years. Removing these short term rentals will only aggravate this problem.
I strongly oppose the passing of this bill. Wrong from Maui wrong for the economy.
Respectfully submitted
Susan Fereira
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Leo Lau, and I am the owner of a short-term rental in Wailea. I’m writing today to respectfully and strongly oppose the proposal to phase out legal vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas.
Our unit represents a place we’ve carefully maintained and shared with families for over a decade. During the wildfires, we immediately donated over 5 figures to a dear friend who lost everything, because we care deeply about the people of Maui. We’re not absentee investors — we’re committed members of the Maui community.
Many of our winter guests return year after year. What they value most is the quiet residential feel of our complex, the full kitchen to cook local produce, and the in-unit laundry — things that make them feel at home rather than like tourists in a hotel. They’ve told us they wouldn’t visit Maui if short-term rentals like ours weren’t available.
We also go out of our way to support Maui’s economy. We keep brochures in our unit for local tour operators and guides. Our cleaners and repair crews are all local — people we’ve come to know and trust over the years. This income doesn’t just support us — it supports them.
Eliminating short-term rentals like ours would not free up affordable housing — luxury units in Wailea are not suitable for the average family. But it would cause real damage to the small businesses and local workers who depend on our guests. Modeling our expenses under long term rental still results in monthly fixed costs several multiples of the average corresponding rent.
I urge you to find a more balanced solution — one that upholds high standards, protects neighborhood character, but also respects the contributions of responsible STR owners like us.
As an immigrant from Hong Kong, I grew up in low cost, dorm style housing with government subsidy. Affordable housing construction using STR taxes would be an ideal method.
Mahalo for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Leo Lau
The Palms Unit 905