The arguments opposing Bill 9 often rely heavily on anecdotal stories and emotional appeals rather than grounded data or sound public policy. One recurring claim is that local residents cannot afford to buy homes on Maui without the supplemental income generated from short-term vacation rentals. This argument fundamentally misunderstands the nature of the housing crisis and the intent of Bill 9.

If ownership is only possible by turning a residence into a business, this reveals a broken housing market—one driven by speculative investment rather than providing affordable, long-term shelter for residents. The assumption that locals must depend on short-term rental income to “afford” homeownership is not a solution; it is a symptom of the systemic failure Bill 9 seeks to address.

Moreover, the reliance on vague anecdotes—friends, relatives, or acquaintances struggling to buy homes unless they operate short-term rentals—lacks the rigor necessary for serious policy debate.

It is also important to recognize that opposition frequently comes from individuals such as realtors with vested interests in maintaining the current market dynamics that favor investment properties and short-term rentals over affordable housing. The continuation of this status quo benefits a small segment of the market at the expense of Maui’s working families and full-time residents.

Bill 9 is a critical step toward rebalancing Maui’s housing market, prioritizing long-term residents’ access to affordable housing, and reducing the outsized influence of speculative real estate practices. Opposition based on anecdotal, emotionally charged but logically weak claims must be critically examined and weighed against the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions.

Tryson Kaiama
Haiku Resident

My name is Steve Fuller. I recently received this message from my daughter, who grew up in Lahaina (a "Luna" graduate). It provides a bit of perspective from someone that is not an owner on Maui but wishes to be:

"I was chatting to 'XX" while she was here and we had a pretty open and honest chat about how local (grew up on Maui) people our age feel about it and she was very much in agreement with us. Her sister has actually been thinking about buying a place back home but won't be able to afford to do so if this passes. So, as we discussed, it's actually preventing Maui people from doing exactly what it says it wants to do. I'd be similar...think most people would be...no one can afford those homeowner fees if they can't supplement it with rentals."

Food for thought. Please feel free to contact me for more perspective or information... (808)283-2420

Best regards and aloha,
Steve Fuller