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)
June 5, 2025
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
• After the Lahaina fire, my wife and I rented our unit to survivors of the fire who had their house burn down. They were only two people but, after nine months of renting our unit, they found it to be simply too small for long term occupancy and they found another place to rent. Their experience clearly illustrated to us that long term rentals are not a good use for our property.
• Papakea was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties. Please note that this property is zoned A2-H2. The H2 recognizes that Papakea has always had short term rentals.
• Papakea owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years. My wife and I have always paid the GE and TAT taxes and the increased property assessments for property tax. We contribute to Maui’s economy.
• 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. Papakea has two swimming pools, three tennis courts, two putting greens, two shuffle board courts and other resort amenities. It clearly was developed as a resort property.
• The majority of units at Papakea are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking. The units have very limited storage inside for long term residency.
• 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, including me and my wife, 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. Many of these positions serve in roles that might be eliminated if Papakea is not allowed to operate as a resort.
• 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.
• We have spent over $100,000 on remodeling and upgrades to our unit. These improvements have benefited the local contractors that we employed to work on our unit.
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.
• As shown in the University of Hawaii study, 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 and cultural efforts.
• My wife and I have been coming to Maui each year for over 45 years. We are boosters for getting people to come to Maui as we share our experiences and our love for Maui with friends and acquaintances.
I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Richard and Wanda Holmer
3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Apartment A206
I am writing as a short-term rental owner in Maui County to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation aiming to phase out over 7,000 short-term rental units.
Short-term rentals offer affordable and flexible lodging options for tourists visiting Maui, especially for families and groups seeking a home-like environment. The economic impact of these rentals is significant and far-reaching. Our short-term rental directly benefits small business owners by providing steady income to on-island support staff, cleaners, handymen, and contractors (including plumbers, electricians, and painters). Moreover, our guests patronize local restaurants, participate in excursions, take tours, and shop at retail stores, all of which contribute significantly to the local economy. This influx of tourism dollars sustains numerous jobs and businesses across the island.
Furthermore, short-term rental owners like myself contribute substantially to the county through the highest rate of property taxes, as well as GET and TAT taxes. Historically, these properties were designed and have been operating as vacation rentals for the past forty years. They are not suitable for long-term residential use at scale due to various factors:
- Maintenance Costs: The upkeep of these properties is prohibitively expensive, with AOAO fees increasing every year.
- Infrastructure Limitations: These units provide very limited parking and storage space and often have restrictions that make them unsuitable for long-term residents, such as no-pet policies.
- Special Assessments: Owners incur yearly special assessments for increased insurance rates, major repairs, and replenishment of AOAO funds, which were significantly depleted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phasing out these short-term rentals would likely result in a dramatic economic downturn, similar to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant drop in tourism leading to job losses for local residents. It is unlikely that guests who prefer short-term rentals will transition to the much more expensive hotels; they more likely will choose not to travel to Maui at all.
Instead of phasing out short-term rentals, I urge the government to consider unlocking more affordable housing options that are suitable for long-term use. By permitting more affordable housing projects, and stipulating that these new projects can only be used for owner occupancy by locals, we can address the need for long-term housing without jeopardizing the economic benefits that short-term rentals provide.
Thank you for considering my perspective. I hope the commission will take into account the significant contributions of short-term rentals to our local economy and the potential negative impacts of the proposed legislation.
Thank you for accepting my testimony today. We are owners at the Kahana Outrigger 16-unit condominium complex located in West Maui – it is the only property that we own on Maui. We were married on Napili Bay twenty years ago, and this property is our heartfelt connection to the island we love so much. We strongly oppose Bill 9 and its amendments. We believe Kahana Outrigger and other properties like it can best support the residents of Maui by continuing to rent out its units on a short-term basis.
The Kahana Outrigger is a leasehold property - the 1.17 acres of land on which our four buildings sit are 80% owned by the local Naleieha & Sadang families - each of our 16 units pays leasehold rent of $1,900/month. The total (per unit) monthly expenses at Kahana Outrigger approach $8000/month when including lease, HOA, mortgage interest, taxes and utilities. These expenses have increased dramatically in recent years. Kahana Outrigger was (until 2018) tax categorized as Hotel/Resort and has always been legally permitted to rent on a short-term basis.
Our Kahana Outrigger owners are strong promoters of the local economy and its residents. We promote over 60 local businesses to our guests in our “welcome to Maui email”. We have directed thousands of dollars to these businesses, and to others during the full renovation of our residence in 2021. We are regular clients and friends of many local businesses, who rely on short-term rental properties, like Kahana Outrigger.
Our local partners are worried about Maui’s economy. Whether a result of the strong US currency, messaging, politics or other, tourists are clearly showing less interest in Maui – for instance, our unit is only booked for 6 nights between August 13th and November 21st . Local businesses cannot afford another slowdown after having already been severely impacted in recent years by Covid and the tragic Lahaina fires. Bill 9 only creates more uncertainty and concurrent lost tourism revenues for the already stressed Maui economy.
We fully understand and support the determination to create more affordable housing for the people of Maui. We recommend that Maui clamp down on illegal short-term rentals and continue the push to build more affordable housing. The taxes on short-term rentals can be used to accelerate these initiatives.
I note that Kahana Outrigger owners were quick to open our homes to affected Lahaina families in the summer of 2023; most of us did not charge rent to affected families. We gave out our unit free of charge to the family of Matt & Nathalie Smith for two months, until they were able to find permanent accommodation.
I hope this letter provides insight as to why Kahana Outrigger and other properties like it should not be regarded as affordable long-term housing, and we are best suited to continue supporting the local economy and its residents as short-term rental providers. We oppose Bill 9 and thank you for your efforts.
My name is Alexandra, and I own a short-term rental property and a management business in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation - Bill 9. I want to share what this proposal could mean for families like mine and the people we work with every day.
I was born and raised on this island, and Maui is where I have chosen to raise my own child. We are a three-generation family living on this island. I understand the complexities of this issue. I personally know people on the other side of the conversation, and I often remind them: it's not just outside investors who will be hurt by this legislation. The income from my business stays right here on Maui. I am part of this community. Losing my business would very likely force my family to leave the island.
The property I rent out is the home I grew up in. It means so much to me to be able to return to my childhood home, honor my late father by caring for that land, and share it with others in a respectful way. My toddler calls going to work “visiting Grandpa.” This work is deeply personal.
But it’s not just about my family. I work hard to run my business in the spirit of mālama ʻāina — the values I was taught growing up here. I employ multiple family-run companies who keep their earnings on island: two cleaning companies, three handymen, and four yard service companies. These aren’t just numbers. These are real people — my neighbors, cousins, and friends — who will be hit hard if this work disappears.
Weeks before each guest arrives, I send them a personalized welcome guide that I created myself. It includes my favorite locally owned businesses — from farms and mom-and-pop restaurants to local activities, volunteer opportunities, and tips on how to respectfully explore Maui’s natural resources. I believe that meeting me and learning about island values helps guests feel more connected to Maui than they would at a resort. Some of my guests have even told me they wouldn’t have come to Maui at all if vacation rentals weren’t available. That matters — not just to me, but to all the small businesses they support during their stay.
Another important point is that about 40% of my guests are kamaʻāina from other islands. That number has grown since the fires. We often host groups traveling to celebrate important milestones with their Maui ʻohana — graduations, first birthday lūʻau, and funerals. I take pride in offering a comfortable, welcoming space where island families can gather. Many of them return year after year because they appreciate being with their loved ones in a home setting, not in a hotel.
This phase-out feels like it targets the very people who are trying to make it here — local families doing our best to stay afloat. I agree that the need for housing is urgent, and real solutions are long overdue. But taking away income without a clear plan just makes things harder.
We need the County to protect local people across the board — not just through housing, but through employment, education, services, and economic opportunity. I urge the Council to work with locally owned and operated STRs like mine to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, preserves our communities, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out entirely.
Please do not move forward with this legislation.
Mahalo for your time and for listening to our stories.
As a STR property owner on Maui, I do not feel like I am an outsider. I have a huge interest in the success of Maui Island to continue to be a beautiful place where folks from all over the world want to come and enjoy a short stay, as well as a common interest with residents to have Maui Island continue to be liveable for all generations. It is true my primary residence is in California, but that does not make me an enemy of the peope of Maui. I have one unit, used part-time by family and in rental when we are not there. We have been supporters of Maui economy since 1999, regularly and honestly paying my TAT,GET,property taxes, property management and workforce. We have made major upgrades to our property, utilizing local businesses and materials.
Devaluing everything we have contributed to our Maui property by removing STR rights from us is hurtful emotionally and financiallly.
I am opposed to this poorly thought-out measure because it does more harm than good.
Linda Manry
Wailea Ekahi Village 29B
I own a short-term rental property at the Kapalua Resort in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals. I ask that you are selective in identifying the properties that are identified in providing housing for our Maui people.
I have worked diligently to be a responsible and community-oriented owner and member of the community. I recommend local restaurants and tour guides in my welcome information. I employ local service providers — cleaners, maintenance techs, and landscapers — many of whom have become valued friends over the years. Sadly, some have already been affected by the lack of tourism and lack of work and have left the island. My guests often leave Maui noting they felt more connected to the island because of the personal experience they had in my home. Many visitors have even stated they wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. This matters to me and to all the small local businesses these guests supported during their stay.
Owning at the Kapalua Resort has not been easy. We’ve faced huge maintenance costs, special assessments, and massive increases in insurance after the fires. The annual AOAO expense alone is now over $32,000 annually, and upcoming roof and road repairs will dramatically increase this amount. These costs will continue to be necessary to ensure that the property remains safe and functional. The Kapalua Resort was also never designed, constructed, or intended to be established for workforce housing. The residences limit occupancy, prohibit pets, provide minimal parking, and lack storage space.
This legislation will result in the loss of island required income, the loss of jobs, the loss of homes, and the loss of Maui people who would be forced to ultimately leave the island. As the County has approved a $1.56 billion budget for 2025, it seems feasible that measures should be enacted to attract visitors to the island to bolster our economy and support our financial needs rather than further discouraging such. I urge the Council to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that provides housing, protects local jobs, supports the economy, and creates a future of unity and prosperity for Maui. In opposition of the bill, please exclude the Kapalua Resort from any STR ban.
Mahalo for your time and consideration. Respectfully,
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.
First of all, thank you for taking time and reading my testimony.
My name is Mariola Katryniok and I oppose bill 9.
I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. It’s a one-bedroom unit at Kamaole Sands Resort.
I express strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
I employ local service providers — cleaners, handymen, electricians, plumbers etc. Every time I speak to one of them, they express their fears and concerns about the future. This also includes my property management company, security guards, front desk employees, landscapers at Kamaole Sands. They all are telling me that they are facing unemployment if Bill 9 passes.
Many of them became my friends. I respect local community and I feel strong connection with local people. I believe I contribute to wellbeing of Maui County.
I’ve seen many local small businesses shutting down, restaurants/shops going out of business, people losing jobs.
I spent my lifesaving to purchase this unit. This wasn’t investment and I did not do it to make a profit of it. I’ve been coming to Maui for years and I feel deep connection with the island. I face huge maintenance costs, special assessments, AOAO monthly dues and just this year massive increase in insurance after devastated fires (600% increase). STR income helps cover some of those costs and at the same time I am supporting local workers.
Many of my guests wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. I believe I and my guests support all the small businesses year-round.
This bill will hurt people of Maui County. It does not protect local jobs and it does not support the economy.
I am sure you have all the numbers – loss of thousands of jobs, millions lost in property tax revenue and millions lost in annual visitor spending.
This legislation is wrong in my opinion, and I oppose Bill 9.
To our Maui County Council members: We are respectfully writing to ask you to please vote “No” on Bill 9.
We feel the passing of Bill 9 would be devastating for Maui and its businesses, which (in part) rely on visitors that we help bring to Maui. Our being able to house visitors keeps local businesses working and productive, and helps us to collect and pay the GET, TA, and Maui County taxes to the state.
We hire local workers to manage, clean, and maintain, and when we are there, we intentionally seek out small business owners to help with repairs and to replace household furnishings.
Deleted User
at June 05, 2025 at 7:05am HST
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Fred Kilby, and for over 10 years now I have owned short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
For the past 10 years, I’ve worked hard to be a responsible and community-oriented owner. My welcome package includes recommendations for locally owned restaurants (such a Nalu’s, Paia Fish Market and Amigos), activities such as Pacific Whale Foundation Whale Watching, Paraglide Maui, snorkeling tours, and destinations like Haleakala, Surfing Goat Dairy, Ocean Vodka Distillery, and the Maui Aquarium. I want my guests to learn what Maui is all about.
My small business supports other local small businesses on Maui, as well as the larger economies of Maui County and Hawaii. Last year we generated almost $16,000 in revenue for our cleaner’s LaLa’s Services a woman owned business, we generated over $31,000 in revenue for our management company Rentals Maui a locally family-owned business, we generated $13,000 in business for small repair and maintenance companies such as Wake up in Maui, Clear Choice Window Cleaning, Mike Gensler General Services, and Naka’s Drapery. In addition, we contributed almost $23,000 in Property Taxes, $8,800 in General Excise Tax, $12,000 in Transient Accommodation Taxes, and $3,500 in Maui’s TA Tax. All of this from just one small short-term rental business.
As this proposed legislation has become well known, some of my guests have said they wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. The major international resort hotels are just too expensive for a middle-class family to afford and limited to truly enjoy and appreciate the island. That matters — not just to me, 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 ($24K per year in HOA fees), special assessments ($10K last year), and massive increases in insurance (up 25%) after the fires. As our complex is more than 40 years old, these aren’t luxuries — they’re costs that ensure the property remains safe, functional, and appealing. The income for my short term rental helps cover these costs and supports local companies like Steve’s Plumbing, Maui Monkey Tree Services, Bowman Pest Control, Pacific Roofing, Mainline Plumbing, and Maui Irrigation and Landscape.
I urge the Council to work with owners like me to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely.
Please fix the real problem. We need more affordable housing for purchase. The county has been making affordable rentals! This is garbage. The county council members need to step it up and find a way to make affordable housing for purchase besides Hoku’ula a flawed project built on sprayed cane fields that has been going on since 2020 and still not completed. All workers should be drug tested, and Work should be up to par.
Please take care of the middle class hard-working people $600k is a price range that Homes should be. Locals Do NOT want to live in condos, we have pets we have children, a condo will not work.
To Maui Council:
We are writing to voice our displeasure over the bill before the Maui Council members outlawing Vacation rentals. We too were saddened by the Lahaina fires and the devastation that resulted, but the recent legislation seems to target something that is bringing in 40 million in tax revenue without thinking about the long-term impact to the Maui workers who rely on the tourism industry. This new Bills potential to disrupt Maui’s future is evident in so many ways. We purchased in early 2013 and since that time we have come to rely on our Property Manager, our Cleaner, our Local handyman, the Restaurants around us and the local grocery stores. They will all feel a dramatic impact when the short-term vacation market ceases to exist. We like many do not make a lot of money from our unit. Mostly it is used by us, our friends and family to offset the counties fees and taxes. We did not get into the market to make money but rather for lifestyle reasons and a safe travel destination. We will be fine if we sell and move on to another vacation destination but those workers that have called Maui home for generations will feel the direct and lasting impact of your decision. With this bill you are actually hurting Maui residents in both real and imagined ways. The very people you think this bill helps, we propose will in fact hurt down to even the airport employees, taxi drivers, car rental agencies. If you think for a minute all visitors will transition to hotels, think again. We will move destinations before staying in a hotel. Please consider all factors before your decision is final. We understand that some of the buildings were not originally intended for rentals and potentially that might be where to look versus the blanket approach you are currently using. We have long considered Maui our second home and it is with extreme sadness that we are forced to consider selling with your looming bill outlawing the majority of rental units.
Respectfully submitted, Roy and Dianne Obal
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose that the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude the Mahina Surf.
Background on Mahina Surf
Mahina Surf was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties.
Mahina Surf owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years.
Mahina Surf has never been workforce housing so Mahina Surf is not an example of a property that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Mahina Surf are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking.
Owners purchased units at Mahina Surf with the reasonable expectation that short-term rentals were legal based on ordinances as far back as 1989.
In reliance on the Maui County ordinances and published documents, Hawaii state law, and constitutional protections, owners invested in costly renovations, furnishings, and long-term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of short-term rental right offensive to each buyer’s investment-backed expectations.
Mahina Surf provides full-time, benefited, employment for local resident employees; some have worked at the property for over 25 years.
Mahina Surf supports a wide variety of local trade professionals including pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, flooring, and tree trimming.
I thank the members of the committee for their service and for taking the time to read my testimony in opposition of Bill 9.
My father purchased a unit at Lahaina Shores Hotel when it was first built. We do not feel any short term rentals should be denied. It should be our right to use however we want to. We pay property taxes, pay HOA dues, and just think if short term rentals are not allowed it will affect Hawaii's enconomy big time. Hawaii depends on tourism, if this passes, jobs will be lost, spending by tourists will be lost, businesses that depend on tourists spending may have to close, etc. This will be a trickle down from affecting owners all the way down to residents who depend on tourist dollars. The reason people like to rent short term is because kitchens are usually available which save money for families and people on a budget. Let's face it, it costs a lot to live and/or visit Hawaii. We pay a lot of taxes by using short term rentalsl and the government will lose these funds on a daily basis. The long term affect could be devastating to Hawaii's economy. Everyone loves Maui but if sort term rentals are forbidden where will our tourists go, maybe not Maui. We were affected by the wildfires in August 2023 and still we have not been able to visit out unit or rent it. Our unit is not fit for a family rental since it is a studio of less than 600 feet. By disallowing short term rentals, how will this benefit Maui's economy, less taxes, less spending dollars, some people may be forced to sell if they cannot rent their units, loss of jobs, etc. Please do not allow this to pass. I really don't understand why this has become an issue. Many of us depend on renting so we can pay our HOA dues, property taxes, etc. and still enjoy ownership. Remove any short rentals from governmental control!
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Members -
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed phase-out of over 7,000 short-term rental units in Maui. As a long-term property owner and responsible short-term condo rental owner for over 20 years, I have seen firsthand the positive economic and community impacts of short-term rentals in our area.
Over the course of two decades, I have continually reinvested in my short-term condo to ensure it remains a safe, clean and a welcoming space for visitors. This has involved hiring multiple local tradespeople - including plumbers, electricians, painters and handymen - for regular maintenance, repairs and improvements. These professionals are not faceless contractors; they are local small business owners and workers who rely on consistent opportunities from clients like me to support their families. This also supports the families of the people that work at stores where they buy what is needed for my condo.
In addition, I have many friends that work for management companies that oversee the daily operations of short-term rentals. These companies also employ local cleaners and handymen, creating year-round jobs that would not exist without the demand generated by short-term rentals. Everyone I have mentioned on this comment are real people contributing to our local economy, paying taxes, and working hard to support their families.
Phasing out short-term rentals will eliminate a wide network of jobs that I've mentioned above and economic activity that supports many in the Maui community.
I urge the council to reconsider the phase out of short-term rentals and to pursue a more balanced policy that addresses community concerns while preserving the many benefits of short-term rentals.
Thank you for your consideration
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Members. My name is Logan Bellows. My wife and I own a Villa at The Ridge at Kapalua. We have been owners here for 23 years. We have supported the Maui economy in many ways during this time. We are afraid this proposed legislation would destroy the incomes of so many people who own, work and support businesses, and restaurants here in Maui. My family have been owners here in Maui for over 38 years. We have always felt a special connection with the people and the Aloha spirit of this island, and believe this legislation jeopardizes that spirit. We are not just owners, we are community members and supporters of our local economy. We believe this legislation has been misguided and harmful to the people it is trying to help. We hope the Council will consider all aspects of this Bill and do what's right for all of the residents living here in Maui. Mahalo for your time and consideration, Logan and Karen Bellows, The Ridge at Kapalua
I am writing today to express my strong opposition to Bill 9 and the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7000 vacation rentals
In 2006, when I purchased my home, short term rentals were permitted and fully legal. Then again codified years later. Our complex was originally built in 1983. At the time of my purchase, and still today, it was and is a property run as a condominium hotel. It has a front desk that runs 24/7 where any person can rent a unit at any time. Additionally, our home was designated a condhotel by all mortgage companies. When we secured a mortgage, it was done so with that designation, and at a higher rate than a residential mortgage due to that designation. It was not built to house local employees.
For 18 years, I have dutifully paid the required taxes for this property. I pay Maui County taxes and the higher GET and TAT taxes as required for a STR property. To the tune of over $10,000/year.
I use this property for myself, my family and friends and as a STR. I have also offered it to several non-profits to raise much needed funds for their organizations. Additionally, we housed a family of four immediately after the fires at no charge to them. When I, or any of our guests are on-island, they are fully supporting many, many local businesses island wide. We suggest all local businesses to our guests. Any income we make stays essentially 100% on-island. If the current lawful use of my home to be used as an STR is discontinued, not only will there be a great loss to the County from the loss of GET and TAT taxes, there will be a great loss to the local restaurants and other businesses in the community. It would not be offered as a long term rental. If we are no longer able to allow guests to stay at our place, the tax revenue from my condo, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes from our whole property alone, would be lost to the County for much needed services. Our guests have told us, if they aren’t able to stay in a vacation rental on Maui, they will simply find another place to visit. They cannot afford the hotel pricing.
Those who support Bill 9 speak as if all homeowners such as us are making money hand over fist. Owning my property has been no walk in the park. It’s not easy at all, and we are currently struggling to keep up with the rising costs. Huge maintenance and HOA fees, rising insurance costs and special assessments threaten if we can keep our home at all. This past year alone, we were hit with a $40,000 assessment. Please tell me how any local resident would be able to afford a hit like that?
This legislation feels entirely unbalanced, and seems to take a hatchet to the economy, when the Council should be focusing on building the affordable housing it has promised from the tax dollars we have been contributing to the Maui economy for many years. Let’s also focus on vacation rentals that have for years, been operating illegally, and continue to do so.
Steven Dielman
3600 Wailea Alanui Dr.
Wailea HI 96753
sk.dielman@gmail.com
Dear Members of the Maui County Council:
I am writing to express my concern regarding the current stance on short-term rentals in Maui and to highlight the potential advantages they offer; alongside the negative impact their restriction has on local small businesses and tax revenues.
Short-term rentals have become an integral part of the tourism ecosystem in many parts of the world, and Maui is no exception. They offer unique benefits that can complement our traditional hospitality industry. I would like to outline several key advantages that short-term rentals bring to our community:
1. Economic Contribution: Short-term rentals generate significant tax revenues for the county. These include transient accommodation taxes and general excise taxes. Restricting short-term rentals results in a substantial loss of these revenues, which could be used to fund essential public services and infrastructure projects.
2. Support for Local Businesses: Visitors staying in short-term rentals tend to spend more time in local neighborhoods, patronizing small businesses such as restaurants, shops, and tour operators. This localized spending helps to distribute tourism income more evenly across the island, providing economic support to a wider array of businesses beyond the major tourist hubs.
3. Accommodation Variety: Offering a variety of accommodation options is crucial for attracting a broad spectrum of visitors. Short-term rentals cater to different preferences and budgets, making Maui an appealing destination for a diverse group of tourists, from families and groups to solo travelers and professionals. Many short-term rentals were never planned for apartments or low-cost housing. Many of these units are high cost properties with expensive HOA fees.
4. Job Creation: The operation of short-term rentals creates jobs, not only in property management but also in cleaning services, maintenance, and other ancillary roles. These employment opportunities are vital for local residents and contribute to the overall economic health of our community.
5. Legal Action: Many groups are planning legal action based on violation of property, personal, and Constitutional rights.
6. Inappropriate Low-Cost Housing: Many short-term rentals were never planned for low-cost housing. Rental cost with high HOA fees would prevent most from rent or purchase. Many lack infrastructure for longer term rentals (limited parking….).
The restrictive policies on short-term rentals can inadvertently drive tourists to other destinations, leading to a decline in visitor numbers and a corresponding drop in spending. This has a ripple effect on our local economy, particularly impacting small businesses that rely heavily on tourist dollars.
Moreover, it's important to consider that many property owners who operate short-term rentals are local residents themselves. For some, the income from short-term rentals is essential to maintaining their properties and supporting their families. Curtailing this income stream can have adverse effects on their financial stability and, by extension, on the local economy.
I urge the Council to reconsider the current regulations on short-term rentals with a view to finding a balanced approach that mitigates any negative impacts while capitalizing on the benefits they offer. Implementing fair and reasonable regulations can ensure that short-term rentals operate in a manner that supports our community, boosts our economy, and enhances the visitor experience.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this important matter. I am confident that with thoughtful deliberation, we can arrive at a solution that benefits both the residents of Maui and the visitors who contribute so much to our vibrant island community.
Sincerely,
Steven Dielman
Aloha Council,
As a Maui County Property owner and Canadian Citizen it feels un-american of you to even think about stealing my property.
June 5, 2025
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
• After the Lahaina fire, my wife and I rented our unit to survivors of the fire who had their house burn down. They were only two people but, after nine months of renting our unit, they found it to be simply too small for long term occupancy and they found another place to rent. Their experience clearly illustrated to us that long term rentals are not a good use for our property.
• Papakea was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties. Please note that this property is zoned A2-H2. The H2 recognizes that Papakea has always had short term rentals.
• Papakea owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years. My wife and I have always paid the GE and TAT taxes and the increased property assessments for property tax. We contribute to Maui’s economy.
• 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. Papakea has two swimming pools, three tennis courts, two putting greens, two shuffle board courts and other resort amenities. It clearly was developed as a resort property.
• The majority of units at Papakea are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking. The units have very limited storage inside for long term residency.
• 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, including me and my wife, 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. Many of these positions serve in roles that might be eliminated if Papakea is not allowed to operate as a resort.
• 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.
• We have spent over $100,000 on remodeling and upgrades to our unit. These improvements have benefited the local contractors that we employed to work on our unit.
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.
• As shown in the University of Hawaii study, 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 and cultural efforts.
• My wife and I have been coming to Maui each year for over 45 years. We are boosters for getting people to come to Maui as we share our experiences and our love for Maui with friends and acquaintances.
I would like to thank the committee for the opportunity to comment.
Sincerely,
Richard and Wanda Holmer
3543 Lower Honoapiilani Road, Apartment A206
I am writing as a short-term rental owner in Maui County to express my strong opposition to the proposed legislation aiming to phase out over 7,000 short-term rental units.
Short-term rentals offer affordable and flexible lodging options for tourists visiting Maui, especially for families and groups seeking a home-like environment. The economic impact of these rentals is significant and far-reaching. Our short-term rental directly benefits small business owners by providing steady income to on-island support staff, cleaners, handymen, and contractors (including plumbers, electricians, and painters). Moreover, our guests patronize local restaurants, participate in excursions, take tours, and shop at retail stores, all of which contribute significantly to the local economy. This influx of tourism dollars sustains numerous jobs and businesses across the island.
Furthermore, short-term rental owners like myself contribute substantially to the county through the highest rate of property taxes, as well as GET and TAT taxes. Historically, these properties were designed and have been operating as vacation rentals for the past forty years. They are not suitable for long-term residential use at scale due to various factors:
- Maintenance Costs: The upkeep of these properties is prohibitively expensive, with AOAO fees increasing every year.
- Infrastructure Limitations: These units provide very limited parking and storage space and often have restrictions that make them unsuitable for long-term residents, such as no-pet policies.
- Special Assessments: Owners incur yearly special assessments for increased insurance rates, major repairs, and replenishment of AOAO funds, which were significantly depleted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phasing out these short-term rentals would likely result in a dramatic economic downturn, similar to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant drop in tourism leading to job losses for local residents. It is unlikely that guests who prefer short-term rentals will transition to the much more expensive hotels; they more likely will choose not to travel to Maui at all.
Instead of phasing out short-term rentals, I urge the government to consider unlocking more affordable housing options that are suitable for long-term use. By permitting more affordable housing projects, and stipulating that these new projects can only be used for owner occupancy by locals, we can address the need for long-term housing without jeopardizing the economic benefits that short-term rentals provide.
Thank you for considering my perspective. I hope the commission will take into account the significant contributions of short-term rentals to our local economy and the potential negative impacts of the proposed legislation.
Chair & Council Members,
Thank you for accepting my testimony today. We are owners at the Kahana Outrigger 16-unit condominium complex located in West Maui – it is the only property that we own on Maui. We were married on Napili Bay twenty years ago, and this property is our heartfelt connection to the island we love so much. We strongly oppose Bill 9 and its amendments. We believe Kahana Outrigger and other properties like it can best support the residents of Maui by continuing to rent out its units on a short-term basis.
The Kahana Outrigger is a leasehold property - the 1.17 acres of land on which our four buildings sit are 80% owned by the local Naleieha & Sadang families - each of our 16 units pays leasehold rent of $1,900/month. The total (per unit) monthly expenses at Kahana Outrigger approach $8000/month when including lease, HOA, mortgage interest, taxes and utilities. These expenses have increased dramatically in recent years. Kahana Outrigger was (until 2018) tax categorized as Hotel/Resort and has always been legally permitted to rent on a short-term basis.
Our Kahana Outrigger owners are strong promoters of the local economy and its residents. We promote over 60 local businesses to our guests in our “welcome to Maui email”. We have directed thousands of dollars to these businesses, and to others during the full renovation of our residence in 2021. We are regular clients and friends of many local businesses, who rely on short-term rental properties, like Kahana Outrigger.
Our local partners are worried about Maui’s economy. Whether a result of the strong US currency, messaging, politics or other, tourists are clearly showing less interest in Maui – for instance, our unit is only booked for 6 nights between August 13th and November 21st . Local businesses cannot afford another slowdown after having already been severely impacted in recent years by Covid and the tragic Lahaina fires. Bill 9 only creates more uncertainty and concurrent lost tourism revenues for the already stressed Maui economy.
We fully understand and support the determination to create more affordable housing for the people of Maui. We recommend that Maui clamp down on illegal short-term rentals and continue the push to build more affordable housing. The taxes on short-term rentals can be used to accelerate these initiatives.
I note that Kahana Outrigger owners were quick to open our homes to affected Lahaina families in the summer of 2023; most of us did not charge rent to affected families. We gave out our unit free of charge to the family of Matt & Nathalie Smith for two months, until they were able to find permanent accommodation.
I hope this letter provides insight as to why Kahana Outrigger and other properties like it should not be regarded as affordable long-term housing, and we are best suited to continue supporting the local economy and its residents as short-term rental providers. We oppose Bill 9 and thank you for your efforts.
Sincerely,
Steve Cawley
cawley500@yahoo.ca
Kahana Outrigger
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Alexandra, and I own a short-term rental property and a management business in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation - Bill 9. I want to share what this proposal could mean for families like mine and the people we work with every day.
I was born and raised on this island, and Maui is where I have chosen to raise my own child. We are a three-generation family living on this island. I understand the complexities of this issue. I personally know people on the other side of the conversation, and I often remind them: it's not just outside investors who will be hurt by this legislation. The income from my business stays right here on Maui. I am part of this community. Losing my business would very likely force my family to leave the island.
The property I rent out is the home I grew up in. It means so much to me to be able to return to my childhood home, honor my late father by caring for that land, and share it with others in a respectful way. My toddler calls going to work “visiting Grandpa.” This work is deeply personal.
But it’s not just about my family. I work hard to run my business in the spirit of mālama ʻāina — the values I was taught growing up here. I employ multiple family-run companies who keep their earnings on island: two cleaning companies, three handymen, and four yard service companies. These aren’t just numbers. These are real people — my neighbors, cousins, and friends — who will be hit hard if this work disappears.
Weeks before each guest arrives, I send them a personalized welcome guide that I created myself. It includes my favorite locally owned businesses — from farms and mom-and-pop restaurants to local activities, volunteer opportunities, and tips on how to respectfully explore Maui’s natural resources. I believe that meeting me and learning about island values helps guests feel more connected to Maui than they would at a resort. Some of my guests have even told me they wouldn’t have come to Maui at all if vacation rentals weren’t available. That matters — not just to me, but to all the small businesses they support during their stay.
Another important point is that about 40% of my guests are kamaʻāina from other islands. That number has grown since the fires. We often host groups traveling to celebrate important milestones with their Maui ʻohana — graduations, first birthday lūʻau, and funerals. I take pride in offering a comfortable, welcoming space where island families can gather. Many of them return year after year because they appreciate being with their loved ones in a home setting, not in a hotel.
This phase-out feels like it targets the very people who are trying to make it here — local families doing our best to stay afloat. I agree that the need for housing is urgent, and real solutions are long overdue. But taking away income without a clear plan just makes things harder.
We need the County to protect local people across the board — not just through housing, but through employment, education, services, and economic opportunity. I urge the Council to work with locally owned and operated STRs like mine to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, preserves our communities, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out entirely.
Please do not move forward with this legislation.
Mahalo for your time and for listening to our stories.
As a STR property owner on Maui, I do not feel like I am an outsider. I have a huge interest in the success of Maui Island to continue to be a beautiful place where folks from all over the world want to come and enjoy a short stay, as well as a common interest with residents to have Maui Island continue to be liveable for all generations. It is true my primary residence is in California, but that does not make me an enemy of the peope of Maui. I have one unit, used part-time by family and in rental when we are not there. We have been supporters of Maui economy since 1999, regularly and honestly paying my TAT,GET,property taxes, property management and workforce. We have made major upgrades to our property, utilizing local businesses and materials.
Devaluing everything we have contributed to our Maui property by removing STR rights from us is hurtful emotionally and financiallly.
I am opposed to this poorly thought-out measure because it does more harm than good.
Linda Manry
Wailea Ekahi Village 29B
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
I own a short-term rental property at the Kapalua Resort in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals. I ask that you are selective in identifying the properties that are identified in providing housing for our Maui people.
I have worked diligently to be a responsible and community-oriented owner and member of the community. I recommend local restaurants and tour guides in my welcome information. I employ local service providers — cleaners, maintenance techs, and landscapers — many of whom have become valued friends over the years. Sadly, some have already been affected by the lack of tourism and lack of work and have left the island. My guests often leave Maui noting they felt more connected to the island because of the personal experience they had in my home. Many visitors have even stated they wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. This matters to me and to all the small local businesses these guests supported during their stay.
Owning at the Kapalua Resort has not been easy. We’ve faced huge maintenance costs, special assessments, and massive increases in insurance after the fires. The annual AOAO expense alone is now over $32,000 annually, and upcoming roof and road repairs will dramatically increase this amount. These costs will continue to be necessary to ensure that the property remains safe and functional. The Kapalua Resort was also never designed, constructed, or intended to be established for workforce housing. The residences limit occupancy, prohibit pets, provide minimal parking, and lack storage space.
This legislation will result in the loss of island required income, the loss of jobs, the loss of homes, and the loss of Maui people who would be forced to ultimately leave the island. As the County has approved a $1.56 billion budget for 2025, it seems feasible that measures should be enacted to attract visitors to the island to bolster our economy and support our financial needs rather than further discouraging such. I urge the Council to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that provides housing, protects local jobs, supports the economy, and creates a future of unity and prosperity for Maui. In opposition of the bill, please exclude the Kapalua Resort from any STR ban.
Mahalo for your time and consideration. Respectfully,
William J. Harness
Kapalua Ridge
Hawaii would face significant revenue loss.
Buildings built for short term stays and used long term for that could be affected unfairly, especially if they have some zoning for that at present.
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,
Michelle McGarry
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
First of all, thank you for taking time and reading my testimony.
My name is Mariola Katryniok and I oppose bill 9.
I own a short-term rental property in Maui County. It’s a one-bedroom unit at Kamaole Sands Resort.
I express strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
I employ local service providers — cleaners, handymen, electricians, plumbers etc. Every time I speak to one of them, they express their fears and concerns about the future. This also includes my property management company, security guards, front desk employees, landscapers at Kamaole Sands. They all are telling me that they are facing unemployment if Bill 9 passes.
Many of them became my friends. I respect local community and I feel strong connection with local people. I believe I contribute to wellbeing of Maui County.
I’ve seen many local small businesses shutting down, restaurants/shops going out of business, people losing jobs.
I spent my lifesaving to purchase this unit. This wasn’t investment and I did not do it to make a profit of it. I’ve been coming to Maui for years and I feel deep connection with the island. I face huge maintenance costs, special assessments, AOAO monthly dues and just this year massive increase in insurance after devastated fires (600% increase). STR income helps cover some of those costs and at the same time I am supporting local workers.
Many of my guests wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. I believe I and my guests support all the small businesses year-round.
This bill will hurt people of Maui County. It does not protect local jobs and it does not support the economy.
I am sure you have all the numbers – loss of thousands of jobs, millions lost in property tax revenue and millions lost in annual visitor spending.
This legislation is wrong in my opinion, and I oppose Bill 9.
Mahalo Nui Loa for your time and consideration.
Sincerely Yours
Mariola Katryniok
mariolakat@gmail.com
To our Maui County Council members: We are respectfully writing to ask you to please vote “No” on Bill 9.
We feel the passing of Bill 9 would be devastating for Maui and its businesses, which (in part) rely on visitors that we help bring to Maui. Our being able to house visitors keeps local businesses working and productive, and helps us to collect and pay the GET, TA, and Maui County taxes to the state.
We hire local workers to manage, clean, and maintain, and when we are there, we intentionally seek out small business owners to help with repairs and to replace household furnishings.
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Committee Members,
My name is Fred Kilby, and for over 10 years now I have owned short-term rental property in Maui County. I am writing today to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7,000 vacation rentals.
For the past 10 years, I’ve worked hard to be a responsible and community-oriented owner. My welcome package includes recommendations for locally owned restaurants (such a Nalu’s, Paia Fish Market and Amigos), activities such as Pacific Whale Foundation Whale Watching, Paraglide Maui, snorkeling tours, and destinations like Haleakala, Surfing Goat Dairy, Ocean Vodka Distillery, and the Maui Aquarium. I want my guests to learn what Maui is all about.
My small business supports other local small businesses on Maui, as well as the larger economies of Maui County and Hawaii. Last year we generated almost $16,000 in revenue for our cleaner’s LaLa’s Services a woman owned business, we generated over $31,000 in revenue for our management company Rentals Maui a locally family-owned business, we generated $13,000 in business for small repair and maintenance companies such as Wake up in Maui, Clear Choice Window Cleaning, Mike Gensler General Services, and Naka’s Drapery. In addition, we contributed almost $23,000 in Property Taxes, $8,800 in General Excise Tax, $12,000 in Transient Accommodation Taxes, and $3,500 in Maui’s TA Tax. All of this from just one small short-term rental business.
As this proposed legislation has become well known, some of my guests have said they wouldn’t have come at all if they didn’t have a vacation rental option. The major international resort hotels are just too expensive for a middle-class family to afford and limited to truly enjoy and appreciate the island. That matters — not just to me, 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 ($24K per year in HOA fees), special assessments ($10K last year), and massive increases in insurance (up 25%) after the fires. As our complex is more than 40 years old, these aren’t luxuries — they’re costs that ensure the property remains safe, functional, and appealing. The income for my short term rental helps cover these costs and supports local companies like Steve’s Plumbing, Maui Monkey Tree Services, Bowman Pest Control, Pacific Roofing, Mainline Plumbing, and Maui Irrigation and Landscape.
I urge the Council to work with owners like me to find a fair and balanced path forward — one that protects local jobs, supports the economy, and holds STR owners to high standards, instead of phasing us out completely.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Fred Kilby
kgecondo@outlook.com
Please fix the real problem. We need more affordable housing for purchase. The county has been making affordable rentals! This is garbage. The county council members need to step it up and find a way to make affordable housing for purchase besides Hoku’ula a flawed project built on sprayed cane fields that has been going on since 2020 and still not completed. All workers should be drug tested, and Work should be up to par.
Please take care of the middle class hard-working people $600k is a price range that Homes should be. Locals Do NOT want to live in condos, we have pets we have children, a condo will not work.
To Maui Council:
We are writing to voice our displeasure over the bill before the Maui Council members outlawing Vacation rentals. We too were saddened by the Lahaina fires and the devastation that resulted, but the recent legislation seems to target something that is bringing in 40 million in tax revenue without thinking about the long-term impact to the Maui workers who rely on the tourism industry. This new Bills potential to disrupt Maui’s future is evident in so many ways. We purchased in early 2013 and since that time we have come to rely on our Property Manager, our Cleaner, our Local handyman, the Restaurants around us and the local grocery stores. They will all feel a dramatic impact when the short-term vacation market ceases to exist. We like many do not make a lot of money from our unit. Mostly it is used by us, our friends and family to offset the counties fees and taxes. We did not get into the market to make money but rather for lifestyle reasons and a safe travel destination. We will be fine if we sell and move on to another vacation destination but those workers that have called Maui home for generations will feel the direct and lasting impact of your decision. With this bill you are actually hurting Maui residents in both real and imagined ways. The very people you think this bill helps, we propose will in fact hurt down to even the airport employees, taxi drivers, car rental agencies. If you think for a minute all visitors will transition to hotels, think again. We will move destinations before staying in a hotel. Please consider all factors before your decision is final. We understand that some of the buildings were not originally intended for rentals and potentially that might be where to look versus the blanket approach you are currently using. We have long considered Maui our second home and it is with extreme sadness that we are forced to consider selling with your looming bill outlawing the majority of rental units.
Respectfully submitted, Roy and Dianne Obal
Dear Chair Kama, Vice Chair Uʻu-Hodgins and Members of the Housing and Land Use Committee:
I oppose Bill 9 as drafted and propose that the Council amend Bill 9 to exclude the Mahina Surf.
Background on Mahina Surf
Mahina Surf was initially marketed and sold as a legal vacation rental property before any zoning restrictions limited transient vacation rentals in apartment zoned properties.
Mahina Surf owners have been operating legal vacation rentals for almost fifty years.
Mahina Surf has never been workforce housing so Mahina Surf is not an example of a property that converted from workforce housing to transient vacation rental use.
The majority of units at Mahina Surf are under 600 square feet and the property has limited parking.
Owners purchased units at Mahina Surf with the reasonable expectation that short-term rentals were legal based on ordinances as far back as 1989.
In reliance on the Maui County ordinances and published documents, Hawaii state law, and constitutional protections, owners invested in costly renovations, furnishings, and long-term financial commitments such as mortgages that make any phase out of short-term rental right offensive to each buyer’s investment-backed expectations.
Mahina Surf provides full-time, benefited, employment for local resident employees; some have worked at the property for over 25 years.
Mahina Surf supports a wide variety of local trade professionals including pest control, HVAC, painting, plumbing, electrical, general contracting, masonry, flooring, and tree trimming.
I thank the members of the committee for their service and for taking the time to read my testimony in opposition of Bill 9.
Regards,
Steve Sandstrom, Mahina Surf 114
My father purchased a unit at Lahaina Shores Hotel when it was first built. We do not feel any short term rentals should be denied. It should be our right to use however we want to. We pay property taxes, pay HOA dues, and just think if short term rentals are not allowed it will affect Hawaii's enconomy big time. Hawaii depends on tourism, if this passes, jobs will be lost, spending by tourists will be lost, businesses that depend on tourists spending may have to close, etc. This will be a trickle down from affecting owners all the way down to residents who depend on tourist dollars. The reason people like to rent short term is because kitchens are usually available which save money for families and people on a budget. Let's face it, it costs a lot to live and/or visit Hawaii. We pay a lot of taxes by using short term rentalsl and the government will lose these funds on a daily basis. The long term affect could be devastating to Hawaii's economy. Everyone loves Maui but if sort term rentals are forbidden where will our tourists go, maybe not Maui. We were affected by the wildfires in August 2023 and still we have not been able to visit out unit or rent it. Our unit is not fit for a family rental since it is a studio of less than 600 feet. By disallowing short term rentals, how will this benefit Maui's economy, less taxes, less spending dollars, some people may be forced to sell if they cannot rent their units, loss of jobs, etc. Please do not allow this to pass. I really don't understand why this has become an issue. Many of us depend on renting so we can pay our HOA dues, property taxes, etc. and still enjoy ownership. Remove any short rentals from governmental control!
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Members -
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed phase-out of over 7,000 short-term rental units in Maui. As a long-term property owner and responsible short-term condo rental owner for over 20 years, I have seen firsthand the positive economic and community impacts of short-term rentals in our area.
Over the course of two decades, I have continually reinvested in my short-term condo to ensure it remains a safe, clean and a welcoming space for visitors. This has involved hiring multiple local tradespeople - including plumbers, electricians, painters and handymen - for regular maintenance, repairs and improvements. These professionals are not faceless contractors; they are local small business owners and workers who rely on consistent opportunities from clients like me to support their families. This also supports the families of the people that work at stores where they buy what is needed for my condo.
In addition, I have many friends that work for management companies that oversee the daily operations of short-term rentals. These companies also employ local cleaners and handymen, creating year-round jobs that would not exist without the demand generated by short-term rentals. Everyone I have mentioned on this comment are real people contributing to our local economy, paying taxes, and working hard to support their families.
Phasing out short-term rentals will eliminate a wide network of jobs that I've mentioned above and economic activity that supports many in the Maui community.
I urge the council to reconsider the phase out of short-term rentals and to pursue a more balanced policy that addresses community concerns while preserving the many benefits of short-term rentals.
Thank you for your consideration
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Members. My name is Logan Bellows. My wife and I own a Villa at The Ridge at Kapalua. We have been owners here for 23 years. We have supported the Maui economy in many ways during this time. We are afraid this proposed legislation would destroy the incomes of so many people who own, work and support businesses, and restaurants here in Maui. My family have been owners here in Maui for over 38 years. We have always felt a special connection with the people and the Aloha spirit of this island, and believe this legislation jeopardizes that spirit. We are not just owners, we are community members and supporters of our local economy. We believe this legislation has been misguided and harmful to the people it is trying to help. We hope the Council will consider all aspects of this Bill and do what's right for all of the residents living here in Maui. Mahalo for your time and consideration, Logan and Karen Bellows, The Ridge at Kapalua
I am writing today to express my strong opposition to Bill 9 and the proposed legislation to phase out more than 7000 vacation rentals
In 2006, when I purchased my home, short term rentals were permitted and fully legal. Then again codified years later. Our complex was originally built in 1983. At the time of my purchase, and still today, it was and is a property run as a condominium hotel. It has a front desk that runs 24/7 where any person can rent a unit at any time. Additionally, our home was designated a condhotel by all mortgage companies. When we secured a mortgage, it was done so with that designation, and at a higher rate than a residential mortgage due to that designation. It was not built to house local employees.
For 18 years, I have dutifully paid the required taxes for this property. I pay Maui County taxes and the higher GET and TAT taxes as required for a STR property. To the tune of over $10,000/year.
I use this property for myself, my family and friends and as a STR. I have also offered it to several non-profits to raise much needed funds for their organizations. Additionally, we housed a family of four immediately after the fires at no charge to them. When I, or any of our guests are on-island, they are fully supporting many, many local businesses island wide. We suggest all local businesses to our guests. Any income we make stays essentially 100% on-island. If the current lawful use of my home to be used as an STR is discontinued, not only will there be a great loss to the County from the loss of GET and TAT taxes, there will be a great loss to the local restaurants and other businesses in the community. It would not be offered as a long term rental. If we are no longer able to allow guests to stay at our place, the tax revenue from my condo, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes from our whole property alone, would be lost to the County for much needed services. Our guests have told us, if they aren’t able to stay in a vacation rental on Maui, they will simply find another place to visit. They cannot afford the hotel pricing.
Those who support Bill 9 speak as if all homeowners such as us are making money hand over fist. Owning my property has been no walk in the park. It’s not easy at all, and we are currently struggling to keep up with the rising costs. Huge maintenance and HOA fees, rising insurance costs and special assessments threaten if we can keep our home at all. This past year alone, we were hit with a $40,000 assessment. Please tell me how any local resident would be able to afford a hit like that?
This legislation feels entirely unbalanced, and seems to take a hatchet to the economy, when the Council should be focusing on building the affordable housing it has promised from the tax dollars we have been contributing to the Maui economy for many years. Let’s also focus on vacation rentals that have for years, been operating illegally, and continue to do so.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Steven Dielman
3600 Wailea Alanui Dr.
Wailea HI 96753
sk.dielman@gmail.com
Dear Members of the Maui County Council:
I am writing to express my concern regarding the current stance on short-term rentals in Maui and to highlight the potential advantages they offer; alongside the negative impact their restriction has on local small businesses and tax revenues.
Short-term rentals have become an integral part of the tourism ecosystem in many parts of the world, and Maui is no exception. They offer unique benefits that can complement our traditional hospitality industry. I would like to outline several key advantages that short-term rentals bring to our community:
1. Economic Contribution: Short-term rentals generate significant tax revenues for the county. These include transient accommodation taxes and general excise taxes. Restricting short-term rentals results in a substantial loss of these revenues, which could be used to fund essential public services and infrastructure projects.
2. Support for Local Businesses: Visitors staying in short-term rentals tend to spend more time in local neighborhoods, patronizing small businesses such as restaurants, shops, and tour operators. This localized spending helps to distribute tourism income more evenly across the island, providing economic support to a wider array of businesses beyond the major tourist hubs.
3. Accommodation Variety: Offering a variety of accommodation options is crucial for attracting a broad spectrum of visitors. Short-term rentals cater to different preferences and budgets, making Maui an appealing destination for a diverse group of tourists, from families and groups to solo travelers and professionals. Many short-term rentals were never planned for apartments or low-cost housing. Many of these units are high cost properties with expensive HOA fees.
4. Job Creation: The operation of short-term rentals creates jobs, not only in property management but also in cleaning services, maintenance, and other ancillary roles. These employment opportunities are vital for local residents and contribute to the overall economic health of our community.
5. Legal Action: Many groups are planning legal action based on violation of property, personal, and Constitutional rights.
6. Inappropriate Low-Cost Housing: Many short-term rentals were never planned for low-cost housing. Rental cost with high HOA fees would prevent most from rent or purchase. Many lack infrastructure for longer term rentals (limited parking….).
The restrictive policies on short-term rentals can inadvertently drive tourists to other destinations, leading to a decline in visitor numbers and a corresponding drop in spending. This has a ripple effect on our local economy, particularly impacting small businesses that rely heavily on tourist dollars.
Moreover, it's important to consider that many property owners who operate short-term rentals are local residents themselves. For some, the income from short-term rentals is essential to maintaining their properties and supporting their families. Curtailing this income stream can have adverse effects on their financial stability and, by extension, on the local economy.
I urge the Council to reconsider the current regulations on short-term rentals with a view to finding a balanced approach that mitigates any negative impacts while capitalizing on the benefits they offer. Implementing fair and reasonable regulations can ensure that short-term rentals operate in a manner that supports our community, boosts our economy, and enhances the visitor experience.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this important matter. I am confident that with thoughtful deliberation, we can arrive at a solution that benefits both the residents of Maui and the visitors who contribute so much to our vibrant island community.
Sincerely,
Steven Dielman