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)
We oppose the proposed short-term rental ban and request you recommend its denial.
My family has been visiting the Kapalua Bay Villas since 1979. After many short term visits, we purchased our unit here in 2004. The Kapalua Bay Villas have, since their inception, been an integral part of the Kapalua Resort. Originally, they were a part of the Kapalua Bay Hotel, and we used to have arrival check-in at the Hotel. Later, when we purchased our villa, it was integrated in the ‘Kapalua Resort”, where had signing privileges at all of the resort venues (the Ritz Carlton, the Kapalua Bay Hotel and Spa, and the Honolua Store), and all those charges were included in our invoice at checkout.
Since their inception, and during the 20 years we have owned our property, the Kapalua Bay Villas have ALWAYS been part of the Kapalua Resort and intended for short term accommodations, thus our opposition to the proposed ban.
These units are located right on the water’s edge with corrosive sea spray. Their design, with only 4-6 units per building, and the spacious landscaping surrounding them, require constant maintenance and expensive HOA’s. These properties are inconsistent with the demands of affordable housing.
It is well recognized that owners and long term renters do not avail themselves of the many entertainment, tourist offerings, and restaurants in West Maui with the same frequency as those on shorter vacations. Between Covid and the tragically destructive Lahaina fires, the area and its business have had more than their share of challenges.
Decreasing tourism even more at the Kapalua Bay Villas, famous for its world class golf courses and beaches, will exacerbate our area’s recovery challenges.
My family and I appreciate your consideration, and strongly recommend that, at a minimum, the Kapalua Bay Villas be removed from the list of properties subject to the proposed ban. For the broader benefit of those residing in West Maui, we suggest that the short-term rental ban be rejected due to its devastating economic impact on the local economy.
Aloha. I write to you from Denver Colorado
as far as I know my family only ever lived on Maui we can trace back over 13 generations there
i am in Denver because Hawaii became to expensive to live and we have family here with a construction company so have reliable and good paying work.
lots of good comments in this testimony so I think all has been said but what I see allot of is how much rents will come down if this Bill does through I think most say rent will reduce 6-14%.
if a place is 3000 a month thse reduction brings it down to between 2580 and 2820
this is not big savings I mean most of us need 3000 to come down to 1200 or 1500
if the scale is that we should be less than 30% of our income goes to rent and I make 50 thousand i need rent to me 1250 a month
on the other side of this you have people who one these places and bought for like half a million a million or maybe more
this places are having condo fees that are more than i can pay
but its also an island so its not just rent that costs allot everything is more
why i left is for the lower cost of everything not just rent
i am renting a house my uncle owns and he has explained how all the money works with houses and rent and i oppse bill 9 because i now understand that yes there are local people who need places but here are also people who can't be harmed money wise because of how the maui goverment hasnt let new places be built
thinking that a small lowering of rent cost for us at the harm to these other people owning the condos is not hawaiian not pono we need actual affordable not this bill 9 stuff
i will come back home because i can save money and will have aplace there eventually without this pilau kine stuff
let people have their facny places to rent for tourists and government needs to build for locals away from them not out of hate for them but for raising families and stuff
We are the owners of 118 Waiohuli Beach Hale in Kihei. We are opposed to the bill to ban STRs. Our unit employs cleaners, handymen, ,groundskèepers and the list goes on. Our guests bring in a substantial amount of tax revenue for Maui and support local businesses. If the reason for banning STRs is to make more housing, the fact is most of these 7000 units are unaffordable with the cost of Taxes, monthly dues and utilities. They are also too small to house a family.
Ken and Audrey Hope
400 rentals on Craigslist, Why?...no one is renting, all are freeloading off hand outs and grants...this proposed ban is nothing but political grandstanding, STOP THE INSANITY OF A FEW PAID POLITICAL ACTIVIST!
Dear Maui County Council:
I oppose Bill 9. Owning a 1 bedroom 1 bath at Kauhale Makai, we purchased years ago as a retirement investment would cause us financial difficulties . If we were to rent it long term, would need to charge 4k plus per month, as AHOA and property taxes are very high. Our condo is not conducive for affordable family long term rental purposes. Parking is limited, laundry rooms are limited, the condo unit has no storage space.
We were able to help out a fire victim in 2023, a single woman who was sleeping in her car. She was appreciative.
Bill 9 will not make available affordable housing for families, nor affordable housing for couples as HOA costs need to be factored into their rental costs. In addition, Maui residents would loose jobs supported by the short term rental tourism. Thank you for reading this.
I oppose this plan in its entirety. For over 25 years we have owned a timeshare at Kuleana for 3 weeks each April. We love Maui!! And the thought of never getting to come back, to support your local restaurants and people is just heartbreaking. If this goes through, people will find another island to spend their money, but it is not what is smart for your economy to survive. We pay taxes on your land and we hope to continue this for many years to come. Mahalo
I strongly oppose Bill 9. My family has been timeshare owners for over 40 years. We have been contributing to Maui's economy and community the entire time. We support the property employees and spend our money on groceries, restaurants and activities. Timeshare owners like me are part of a stable community of repeat visitors who care about Maui's well-being. If the council does move forward with Bill 9, I urge you to retain the exemption of existing timeshare owners.
I appose bill 9, I have lived in Maui 38 years and raised 4 kids here. Does not make any sense to shut down our economy and livelihood for so many. Why are you going to build 3000 homes in kihei and another hotel ? Maybe 1 % affordable ?
I will start my comment with a brief story, which has turned into a friendship between a 46 year old West Maui Condo owner (Myself) from California and an 81 year old born and raised Maui resident “Patty” – who lost her home in the wildfires of August, 2023.
My wife and I have owned a condo since 2018, located in West Maui (Hale Kai). We come to visit every 6 months, meet with our friends, enjoy the beautiful land, and contribute to the local economy (local restaurants, shops, etc.).
During the wildfires in August, 2023; we had a close friend who lost his home/business on Front Street. We immediately went into discussions about opening up our condo (STR) to him and his 9 year old daughter. He was all set to move in until he was offered a more suitable condo (larger, 2nd bedroom) down the road. My wife and I decided to continue to offer our condo to an unknown person who had lost their home – this was before we knew about the rental reimbursement from FEMA or any other organization.
March, 2024: An 81 year old female by the name of “Patty” who lost her home in the wildfires, moved into our condo.
From March, 2024 – Present: “Patty” and I have become friends and I consider her family. We speak on the phone weekly, and I have visited her on multiple occasions. I have told “Patty” she can stay in our condo until her home is finally complete and I will do whatever it takes on my end to ensure there is no disruption as I do not want her to have to move into another property before landing back at her forever, rebuilt home.
This is a true story and I am sure many of you on the Maui County Council know who I am speaking of – “Patty”.
During this time with speaking and meeting with my friend, “Patty”. I learned firsthand:
STR Units for Long-Term Housing
STR units, particularly those in apartment-zoned areas, do not meet the needs of local families seeking long-term housing. Issues such as inadequate parking, lack of storage, and high maintenance fees make these units less viable for permanent residency.
I oppose Bill 9.
Thank you for reading and learning about a true story, which stemmed from the wildfires in August, 2023.
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.
The Maui economy relies on tourism. My STR provides jobs for many residents and they would be out of work and lose their home without STR's. Families on vacation can't afford to stay at hotels and will stop coming. My STR is NOT AFFORDABLE for resident housing. My hard costs, without a mortgage, are over $5000/month for a 1 bedroom. This is not affordable housing for a local. My complex was purpose built and zoned for STR and we bought it in good faith. Target all the illegal rentals operating on area not zoned STR. I oppose this bill
Aloha Maui County Council,
Wow! I have read the testimonies below me. I too oppose Bill 9 in its entirety. The testimonies submitted describe the reasons so well, there is no need for me to repeat them. My last comment is that the council should also NOT hold these condo owners hostage with the threat of delay or looking at this later. For the health of Maui’s economy, this needs to be permanently solved and viable housing solutions sought and executed. This bill has been a waste of valuable time and has not served the residents or condo owners. Gloria Moyers
Aloha Council Members,
We are writing to express our strong opposition to Bill 9 (2025). This bill would eliminate long-standing, legally operating short-term rentals—including timeshare usage—that have contributed positively to Maui’s economy and community for decades.
However, we do appreciate the amendment in the current draft (CD1) that exempts validly existing timeshare units and timeshare plans from the phase-out. If the Council moves forward with Bill 9, we urge you to retain this exemption as a minimum safeguard to prevent serious harm to owners, workers, and the local economy.
We are timeshare owners at the Kuleana Club. Like many others, we own two weeks per year—not a second home, not an investment property. We return every year, support local restaurants, spend at neighborhood shops, and have built lasting relationships on the island. Timeshare owners like us are part of a stable community of repeat visitors who care deeply about Maui’s well-being.
I am writing to urge you to please consider voting No on Mauis rental ban. The island has been much quieter, business establishments going out of business. Less money being spent because people are afraid to come to Maui, not knowing if they are wanted here. Families cannot afford to stay in resorts. The money lost by people going elsewhere will have a big effect on Mauis economy.
I have been coming to Maui since 1979, I’ve watched it grow. Both of our children live on island it’s wonderful place that they are happy to call home. But lately they have noticed a significant decline in visitors. With the looming rental ban restaurants, grocery stores gift shops, activity centers, etc…. will end up losing more money and will close, it would be devastating.
Please vote No on Maui’s rental ban. Save our beautiful piece of paradise.
Sincerely,
Kim Cowan
Aloha. We are two long-time retired RESIDENTS on Maui in our 70s who exist here only because we have two Minatoya List STRs that now, thanks to being demonized by the Mayor, are each worth $200k less and have 50 percent less occupancy thanks to Trump's Canada and other countries policies.Meanwhile, you've upped our property taxes to an obscene level and ignored their diminished value and our HOAs have doubled because.of the insurance rates!. And now tourist taxes are going up again too? What is wrong with you people? At the very least create an exemption for the 15% of owners like us that live here! Also.require that any ban be tied to all Minatoya list properties being reassessed to reflect their true diminished values. Mahalo for the consideration.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair U'uHodgins 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.
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 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.
I and other 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, I and other 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 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.
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 hour, select their own clients, work conditions and standard operating procedures. Shutting down short-term rentals at Papakea means telling local entrepeneurs 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 short-term rentals 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 par, and shops.
I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Eugene A Modell
3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road
Apartment C-108
Chairman Kama and members of the Land use Commission through the chairs. While the notice was short for comments I feel the need to avoid all the opposition responses from the SB 2919 bill that generated accurate but redundant responses opposing this legislation. But it’s come true. Vacation guests are down 28% in May and the government coffers are down. I’m a Hawaii transplant since my high school friends went straight to Haleiwa Oahu after graduation and I immersed myself into the culture and history of the Maui region since the valley island was so beautiful in Aloha spirit..as codified in Hawaii Constitution. No worries and no regrets. I’m a proud Owner of a 1&1 condominium in Kahaule Macai since 2020 during COVID safe travels restrictions. Took my wife and I over 2 years to beg borrow and steal 🤥 to pay a house in paradise! WE ARE NOT RICH FOREIGN INVESTORS AND NOT ABSENTEE LANDLORDS! We pay property taxes and TAT and GET taxes for a LEGAL MINITOYA A1 TVR. After August 8,2023 I came to offer our small condo to an appreciative lady who was living out
of her car in kahalui with a child. I donated my time and funds to the St Theresa food bank where we attend and I commiserated with the locals who were angry about the government response to Order ALL THE GUESTS OFF THE ISLAND, yet waited for the Feds to subsidize the recovery plan. No sirens..worried about the people going Maca ?? Now everyone is feeling the pain of dislodgement many more than others. With all due respect I applaud Mayor Bissens plan for overall housing for Ohana and Kikei but phasing out 7,000 TVRs is not a balanced approach! Housing needs are Nationwide. He has championed a multi million dollar plan to attract Tourism but losing 1,900 jobs and $9 million dollars begs the question, how can locals afford housing without a tourist related job? We use local companies like Kama Homan,Construction and Fire and Ice AC as well as Foodland and Mahana Screens and Glass for local services. Unlike billionaires who cruise by Lahaina on half million dollar yachts and pledge a million dollars which is never paid or our UpCountry celebrity who drags her camera crew to a Red Cross (thankfully they showed her the door). Enough of finger pointing 🫵. From a legal standpoint any passing of Bill 9 is on point with the South Lake Tahoe vs El Dorado County case of March,2025 which tried to phase out VTRs except for permanent residents and was struck down in its entirety due to Unconstitutional taking of Property Rights without adequate compensation per Bill of Rights 5&14. Why incur massive legal fees for placating the hotel industry who has invested over a billion dollars to eradicate the competition. Folks like to have their own kitchen and dining room and barbecue 🍖. Thank you for your service and your leadership. Mahalo, Brian.
I strongly SUPPORT Bill 9. Basically, 20% of Maui’s housing inventory is short-term vacation rentals. UHERO’s recent report stated that phasing out the 7000 Minatoya short-term rentals proposed in Bill 9 could cause rental prices to fall 6-14%. A needed change for Maui’s Renters! Many of us renters are struggling and often needing to move off island. Its quite insane,
MAHALO Dale Ann Chappell Maui resident 43 yrs Kokomo rd, Haiku
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.
The use of this property does not lend itself to a long term rental or purchase as a home. My current maintenance fee is now $2000/month for my 1 bedroom unit and will only increase as the Papakea Resort complex undergoes an interior plumbing project. The building is old and continues to need work.
Mahalo for your attention to this matter.
Brenda Youck
F201
Maui County Council,
I am Carl Gann and I have owned a vacation rental on Maalaea since 2009. Thank you for your public service to the County. It can be challenging work.
After the economic collapse in October 2008, prices for condos and houses fell. There were many for sale on Maui. Tourism plummeted and unemployment was high. When people don’t have jobs, they can’t buy condos and houses. I am opposed to this bill. Tourism will be reduced. Jobs will be lost. Unemployment will be high. More people will leave the island out of necessity.
When I bought my condo after the economic collapse, I sent many friends and relatives to Maui and rented it at a low cost. This was to help the Maui economy. The condo is not a second home. It generates business for Maui. It creates jobs for local residents. I have had some remodeling done over the years. If I used it as a second home I would have done many of these things myself. But because it is a vacation rental and needs to get things done more quickly because I am not there, I hire services to do these things. This creates and supports more local jobs. Vacation rentals bring money to Maui that would not otherwise come here.
This bill will see large corporations with hotels extract a larger portion of tourism money off island, while local vacation rental owner-operators lose their livelihoods. Developing new industries on Maui will take time and incentives to get them here. Educating a workforce for new industries from people who have tourism skills is another challenge and will take time. This bill doesn’t give any time for either of those things. Requiring hotels to build and operate their own water desalinization plants would be a useful industry and would create jobs quickly. Thank you.
Carl Gann
Testimony of Joy Marie Sinclair 06-07-2025
We oppose the proposed short-term rental ban and request you recommend its denial.
My family has been visiting the Kapalua Bay Villas since 1979. After many short term visits, we purchased our unit here in 2004. The Kapalua Bay Villas have, since their inception, been an integral part of the Kapalua Resort. Originally, they were a part of the Kapalua Bay Hotel, and we used to have arrival check-in at the Hotel. Later, when we purchased our villa, it was integrated in the ‘Kapalua Resort”, where had signing privileges at all of the resort venues (the Ritz Carlton, the Kapalua Bay Hotel and Spa, and the Honolua Store), and all those charges were included in our invoice at checkout.
Since their inception, and during the 20 years we have owned our property, the Kapalua Bay Villas have ALWAYS been part of the Kapalua Resort and intended for short term accommodations, thus our opposition to the proposed ban.
These units are located right on the water’s edge with corrosive sea spray. Their design, with only 4-6 units per building, and the spacious landscaping surrounding them, require constant maintenance and expensive HOA’s. These properties are inconsistent with the demands of affordable housing.
It is well recognized that owners and long term renters do not avail themselves of the many entertainment, tourist offerings, and restaurants in West Maui with the same frequency as those on shorter vacations. Between Covid and the tragically destructive Lahaina fires, the area and its business have had more than their share of challenges.
Decreasing tourism even more at the Kapalua Bay Villas, famous for its world class golf courses and beaches, will exacerbate our area’s recovery challenges.
My family and I appreciate your consideration, and strongly recommend that, at a minimum, the Kapalua Bay Villas be removed from the list of properties subject to the proposed ban. For the broader benefit of those residing in West Maui, we suggest that the short-term rental ban be rejected due to its devastating economic impact on the local economy.
Aloha. I write to you from Denver Colorado
as far as I know my family only ever lived on Maui we can trace back over 13 generations there
i am in Denver because Hawaii became to expensive to live and we have family here with a construction company so have reliable and good paying work.
lots of good comments in this testimony so I think all has been said but what I see allot of is how much rents will come down if this Bill does through I think most say rent will reduce 6-14%.
if a place is 3000 a month thse reduction brings it down to between 2580 and 2820
this is not big savings I mean most of us need 3000 to come down to 1200 or 1500
if the scale is that we should be less than 30% of our income goes to rent and I make 50 thousand i need rent to me 1250 a month
on the other side of this you have people who one these places and bought for like half a million a million or maybe more
this places are having condo fees that are more than i can pay
but its also an island so its not just rent that costs allot everything is more
why i left is for the lower cost of everything not just rent
i am renting a house my uncle owns and he has explained how all the money works with houses and rent and i oppse bill 9 because i now understand that yes there are local people who need places but here are also people who can't be harmed money wise because of how the maui goverment hasnt let new places be built
thinking that a small lowering of rent cost for us at the harm to these other people owning the condos is not hawaiian not pono we need actual affordable not this bill 9 stuff
i will come back home because i can save money and will have aplace there eventually without this pilau kine stuff
let people have their facny places to rent for tourists and government needs to build for locals away from them not out of hate for them but for raising families and stuff
We are the owners of 118 Waiohuli Beach Hale in Kihei. We are opposed to the bill to ban STRs. Our unit employs cleaners, handymen, ,groundskèepers and the list goes on. Our guests bring in a substantial amount of tax revenue for Maui and support local businesses. If the reason for banning STRs is to make more housing, the fact is most of these 7000 units are unaffordable with the cost of Taxes, monthly dues and utilities. They are also too small to house a family.
Ken and Audrey Hope
400 rentals on Craigslist, Why?...no one is renting, all are freeloading off hand outs and grants...this proposed ban is nothing but political grandstanding, STOP THE INSANITY OF A FEW PAID POLITICAL ACTIVIST!
Dear Maui County Council:
I oppose Bill 9. Owning a 1 bedroom 1 bath at Kauhale Makai, we purchased years ago as a retirement investment would cause us financial difficulties . If we were to rent it long term, would need to charge 4k plus per month, as AHOA and property taxes are very high. Our condo is not conducive for affordable family long term rental purposes. Parking is limited, laundry rooms are limited, the condo unit has no storage space.
We were able to help out a fire victim in 2023, a single woman who was sleeping in her car. She was appreciative.
Bill 9 will not make available affordable housing for families, nor affordable housing for couples as HOA costs need to be factored into their rental costs. In addition, Maui residents would loose jobs supported by the short term rental tourism. Thank you for reading this.
I oppose this plan in its entirety. For over 25 years we have owned a timeshare at Kuleana for 3 weeks each April. We love Maui!! And the thought of never getting to come back, to support your local restaurants and people is just heartbreaking. If this goes through, people will find another island to spend their money, but it is not what is smart for your economy to survive. We pay taxes on your land and we hope to continue this for many years to come. Mahalo
I strongly oppose Bill 9. My family has been timeshare owners for over 40 years. We have been contributing to Maui's economy and community the entire time. We support the property employees and spend our money on groceries, restaurants and activities. Timeshare owners like me are part of a stable community of repeat visitors who care about Maui's well-being. If the council does move forward with Bill 9, I urge you to retain the exemption of existing timeshare owners.
I appose bill 9, I have lived in Maui 38 years and raised 4 kids here. Does not make any sense to shut down our economy and livelihood for so many. Why are you going to build 3000 homes in kihei and another hotel ? Maybe 1 % affordable ?
Maui County Council:
I will start my comment with a brief story, which has turned into a friendship between a 46 year old West Maui Condo owner (Myself) from California and an 81 year old born and raised Maui resident “Patty” – who lost her home in the wildfires of August, 2023.
My wife and I have owned a condo since 2018, located in West Maui (Hale Kai). We come to visit every 6 months, meet with our friends, enjoy the beautiful land, and contribute to the local economy (local restaurants, shops, etc.).
During the wildfires in August, 2023; we had a close friend who lost his home/business on Front Street. We immediately went into discussions about opening up our condo (STR) to him and his 9 year old daughter. He was all set to move in until he was offered a more suitable condo (larger, 2nd bedroom) down the road. My wife and I decided to continue to offer our condo to an unknown person who had lost their home – this was before we knew about the rental reimbursement from FEMA or any other organization.
March, 2024: An 81 year old female by the name of “Patty” who lost her home in the wildfires, moved into our condo.
From March, 2024 – Present: “Patty” and I have become friends and I consider her family. We speak on the phone weekly, and I have visited her on multiple occasions. I have told “Patty” she can stay in our condo until her home is finally complete and I will do whatever it takes on my end to ensure there is no disruption as I do not want her to have to move into another property before landing back at her forever, rebuilt home.
This is a true story and I am sure many of you on the Maui County Council know who I am speaking of – “Patty”.
During this time with speaking and meeting with my friend, “Patty”. I learned firsthand:
STR Units for Long-Term Housing
STR units, particularly those in apartment-zoned areas, do not meet the needs of local families seeking long-term housing. Issues such as inadequate parking, lack of storage, and high maintenance fees make these units less viable for permanent residency.
I oppose Bill 9.
Thank you for reading and learning about a true story, which stemmed from the wildfires in August, 2023.
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,
Robert Wakefield
Papakea E-207
The Maui economy relies on tourism. My STR provides jobs for many residents and they would be out of work and lose their home without STR's. Families on vacation can't afford to stay at hotels and will stop coming. My STR is NOT AFFORDABLE for resident housing. My hard costs, without a mortgage, are over $5000/month for a 1 bedroom. This is not affordable housing for a local. My complex was purpose built and zoned for STR and we bought it in good faith. Target all the illegal rentals operating on area not zoned STR. I oppose this bill
Aloha Maui County Council,
Wow! I have read the testimonies below me. I too oppose Bill 9 in its entirety. The testimonies submitted describe the reasons so well, there is no need for me to repeat them. My last comment is that the council should also NOT hold these condo owners hostage with the threat of delay or looking at this later. For the health of Maui’s economy, this needs to be permanently solved and viable housing solutions sought and executed. This bill has been a waste of valuable time and has not served the residents or condo owners. Gloria Moyers
Aloha Council Members,
We are writing to express our strong opposition to Bill 9 (2025). This bill would eliminate long-standing, legally operating short-term rentals—including timeshare usage—that have contributed positively to Maui’s economy and community for decades.
However, we do appreciate the amendment in the current draft (CD1) that exempts validly existing timeshare units and timeshare plans from the phase-out. If the Council moves forward with Bill 9, we urge you to retain this exemption as a minimum safeguard to prevent serious harm to owners, workers, and the local economy.
We are timeshare owners at the Kuleana Club. Like many others, we own two weeks per year—not a second home, not an investment property. We return every year, support local restaurants, spend at neighborhood shops, and have built lasting relationships on the island. Timeshare owners like us are part of a stable community of repeat visitors who care deeply about Maui’s well-being.
Thank you
Robert and Susan Rees
I am writing to urge you to please consider voting No on Mauis rental ban. The island has been much quieter, business establishments going out of business. Less money being spent because people are afraid to come to Maui, not knowing if they are wanted here. Families cannot afford to stay in resorts. The money lost by people going elsewhere will have a big effect on Mauis economy.
I have been coming to Maui since 1979, I’ve watched it grow. Both of our children live on island it’s wonderful place that they are happy to call home. But lately they have noticed a significant decline in visitors. With the looming rental ban restaurants, grocery stores gift shops, activity centers, etc…. will end up losing more money and will close, it would be devastating.
Please vote No on Maui’s rental ban. Save our beautiful piece of paradise.
Sincerely,
Kim Cowan
Aloha. We are two long-time retired RESIDENTS on Maui in our 70s who exist here only because we have two Minatoya List STRs that now, thanks to being demonized by the Mayor, are each worth $200k less and have 50 percent less occupancy thanks to Trump's Canada and other countries policies.Meanwhile, you've upped our property taxes to an obscene level and ignored their diminished value and our HOAs have doubled because.of the insurance rates!. And now tourist taxes are going up again too? What is wrong with you people? At the very least create an exemption for the 15% of owners like us that live here! Also.require that any ban be tied to all Minatoya list properties being reassessed to reflect their true diminished values. Mahalo for the consideration.
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair U'uHodgins 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.
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 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.
I and other 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, I and other 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 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.
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 hour, select their own clients, work conditions and standard operating procedures. Shutting down short-term rentals at Papakea means telling local entrepeneurs 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 short-term rentals 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 par, and shops.
I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Eugene A Modell
3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road
Apartment C-108
Chairman Kama and members of the Land use Commission through the chairs. While the notice was short for comments I feel the need to avoid all the opposition responses from the SB 2919 bill that generated accurate but redundant responses opposing this legislation. But it’s come true. Vacation guests are down 28% in May and the government coffers are down. I’m a Hawaii transplant since my high school friends went straight to Haleiwa Oahu after graduation and I immersed myself into the culture and history of the Maui region since the valley island was so beautiful in Aloha spirit..as codified in Hawaii Constitution. No worries and no regrets. I’m a proud Owner of a 1&1 condominium in Kahaule Macai since 2020 during COVID safe travels restrictions. Took my wife and I over 2 years to beg borrow and steal 🤥 to pay a house in paradise! WE ARE NOT RICH FOREIGN INVESTORS AND NOT ABSENTEE LANDLORDS! We pay property taxes and TAT and GET taxes for a LEGAL MINITOYA A1 TVR. After August 8,2023 I came to offer our small condo to an appreciative lady who was living out
of her car in kahalui with a child. I donated my time and funds to the St Theresa food bank where we attend and I commiserated with the locals who were angry about the government response to Order ALL THE GUESTS OFF THE ISLAND, yet waited for the Feds to subsidize the recovery plan. No sirens..worried about the people going Maca ?? Now everyone is feeling the pain of dislodgement many more than others. With all due respect I applaud Mayor Bissens plan for overall housing for Ohana and Kikei but phasing out 7,000 TVRs is not a balanced approach! Housing needs are Nationwide. He has championed a multi million dollar plan to attract Tourism but losing 1,900 jobs and $9 million dollars begs the question, how can locals afford housing without a tourist related job? We use local companies like Kama Homan,Construction and Fire and Ice AC as well as Foodland and Mahana Screens and Glass for local services. Unlike billionaires who cruise by Lahaina on half million dollar yachts and pledge a million dollars which is never paid or our UpCountry celebrity who drags her camera crew to a Red Cross (thankfully they showed her the door). Enough of finger pointing 🫵. From a legal standpoint any passing of Bill 9 is on point with the South Lake Tahoe vs El Dorado County case of March,2025 which tried to phase out VTRs except for permanent residents and was struck down in its entirety due to Unconstitutional taking of Property Rights without adequate compensation per Bill of Rights 5&14. Why incur massive legal fees for placating the hotel industry who has invested over a billion dollars to eradicate the competition. Folks like to have their own kitchen and dining room and barbecue 🍖. Thank you for your service and your leadership. Mahalo, Brian.
I strongly SUPPORT Bill 9. Basically, 20% of Maui’s housing inventory is short-term vacation rentals. UHERO’s recent report stated that phasing out the 7000 Minatoya short-term rentals proposed in Bill 9 could cause rental prices to fall 6-14%. A needed change for Maui’s Renters! Many of us renters are struggling and often needing to move off island. Its quite insane,
MAHALO Dale Ann Chappell Maui resident 43 yrs Kokomo rd, Haiku
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.
The use of this property does not lend itself to a long term rental or purchase as a home. My current maintenance fee is now $2000/month for my 1 bedroom unit and will only increase as the Papakea Resort complex undergoes an interior plumbing project. The building is old and continues to need work.
Mahalo for your attention to this matter.
Brenda Youck
F201
Maui County Council,
I am Carl Gann and I have owned a vacation rental on Maalaea since 2009. Thank you for your public service to the County. It can be challenging work.
After the economic collapse in October 2008, prices for condos and houses fell. There were many for sale on Maui. Tourism plummeted and unemployment was high. When people don’t have jobs, they can’t buy condos and houses. I am opposed to this bill. Tourism will be reduced. Jobs will be lost. Unemployment will be high. More people will leave the island out of necessity.
When I bought my condo after the economic collapse, I sent many friends and relatives to Maui and rented it at a low cost. This was to help the Maui economy. The condo is not a second home. It generates business for Maui. It creates jobs for local residents. I have had some remodeling done over the years. If I used it as a second home I would have done many of these things myself. But because it is a vacation rental and needs to get things done more quickly because I am not there, I hire services to do these things. This creates and supports more local jobs. Vacation rentals bring money to Maui that would not otherwise come here.
This bill will see large corporations with hotels extract a larger portion of tourism money off island, while local vacation rental owner-operators lose their livelihoods. Developing new industries on Maui will take time and incentives to get them here. Educating a workforce for new industries from people who have tourism skills is another challenge and will take time. This bill doesn’t give any time for either of those things. Requiring hotels to build and operate their own water desalinization plants would be a useful industry and would create jobs quickly. Thank you.
Carl Gann