Two resolutions before the Maui County Council would rezone up to 26 shoreline condo properties into new hotel zoning districts, potentially allowing them to continue operating as vacation rentals rather than being phased out under Bill 9. Sea level rise exposure is cited as justification for exempting these coastal units from the county’s long-term housing conversion plan.
- The resolutions would amend the West Maui and Kīhei-Mākena community plans to place up to 26 specific condo properties into the new H-3 and H-4 hotel zoning districts approved last month.
- Properties targeted for possible rezoning are located in South and West Maui shoreline areas projected to face sea level rise impacts by 2100.
- Bill 9, the underlying legislation, aims to convert roughly 7,000 residential units currently operating as vacation rentals into long-term housing over the next five years.
- Supporters argue the exemptions would protect owners from lawsuits and help cover rising HOA and maintenance costs for units not designed for long-term residency.
- Opponents contend the additional exemptions would further erode Bill 9’s goal of creating more permanent housing for local residents.
Source: Civil Beat
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