Maui Vacation Rentals: Owners Face Violent Threats

Maui vacation rentals are under unprecedented attack. Property owners now face threats, violence, and harassment as the county rushes to eliminate 7,000 legal rentals.

How Maui Vacation Rentals Became Political Targets

The County Council started deliberations on July 2, 2025. Additionally, they heard over 20 hours of testimony from hundreds of people.

Committee Chair Tasha Kama admitted the situation has spiraled out of control. “Unfortunately, it has created division to the point of bullying, intimidation and fear,” she said.

Why Maui Vacation Rental Owners Fear for Safety

Subsequently, the committee scheduled four more listening sessions. However, these meetings turned into confrontations between activists and property owners. Aaron Kelling owns six vacation rentals and manages others locally. Consequently, he received death threats after speaking publicly. “Someone said they saw my testimony and would burn my house down,” Kelling testified. Therefore, many owners now fear speaking publicly.

Anonymous Testimony Reveals Fear

Meanwhile, owners request anonymity for safety reasons. Additionally, the committee received thousands of pages of hostile testimony. Furthermore, fake names like “Haole Killa” appeared on submissions. Council member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez admitted testimony “gotten out of control on both sides.”

Lahaina Strong Admits Harassment of Vacation Rental Owners

Moreover, Paele Kiakona leads the anti-rental group Lahaina Strong. However, he admitted his group faces criticism for their aggressive tactics. Kiakona received “crazy, slandering text messages” himself. Nevertheless, he dismissed owner complaints as payback. Additionally, Lahaina Strong posts mock property owners online. Therefore, tensions continue escalating between both sides.

Economic Study Shows Maui Vacation Rentals Support Economy

Furthermore, University of Hawaii economists studied the proposal’s impact. Consequently, they warned about massive job losses ahead. Additionally, Maui vacation rentals generate millions in tax revenue. Moreover, these 7,000 units support thousands of local jobs.

Timeline Offers No Protection

Initially, Mayor Bissen wanted immediate implementation. Subsequently, he proposed a three-year phase-out instead. However, this extension provides little comfort to owners. Therefore, legal investments still face elimination regardless of timeline.

Local Families Depend on Maui Vacation Rental Income

Meanwhile, Matt Tarasenko manages 80 vacation rentals locally. Furthermore, he warned council members about widespread economic damage. “This will devastate locals in hospitality,” Tarasenko explained. Additionally, he listed affected businesses including restaurants, shops, and service providers.

Not Just Wealthy Outsiders

Moreover, Heather Casada owns one South Kihei rental. Consequently, it became her only income after her scuba business closed. “I am deeply invested in our community,” she testified. Therefore, the stereotype of wealthy mainland owners proves false.

Why Maui Vacation Rentals Won’t Become Affordable Housing

Furthermore, activists claim rentals should house locals instead. However, these properties lack what families need. Additionally, beachfront units require expensive maintenance. Moreover, they sit far from schools and lack adequate parking. Consequently, Tarasenko said he’d keep units empty for visiting friends. Therefore, the affordable housing argument falls apart.

Legal Rights Protect Property Owners

Meanwhile, former Attorney General David Louie testified about constitutional violations. Additionally, he warned the county faces “huge problems” legally. “The County wants to wipe out lawful, vested rentals,” Louie explained. Therefore, legal challenges will likely succeed.

Protecting Your Maui Vacation Rental Investment

Nevertheless, property owners maintain strong legal positions. Furthermore, constitutional protections defend vested rights effectively. Moreover, the committee vote represents just one step forward. Subsequently, full council approval and legal challenges will take years. Therefore, document your property’s legal status immediately. Additionally, join collective legal efforts to share costs and strengthen positions. This is an AI-generated analysis based on ‘Inside The ‘Out-Of-Control’ Debate Over Maui Vacation Rentals’ originally reported by Civil Beat. Read original