Maui Mayor Richard Bissen won reelection with 56% of the vote, with his support for phasing out short-term rentals in residential zones seen as a key factor. The results signal continued political momentum for reducing STR inventory on Maui.
- Mayor Bissen secured reelection over two challengers who had vowed to reverse the STR phaseout established under Bill 9.
- The County Council’s Bill 9 phases out STRs in residential zones, though a later amendment allows rezoning for hotel-like developments to continue operating.
- STRs made up as much as 45% of residential units in pre-disaster Lahaina, a figure critics tied to affordability and housing shortages.
- Green Party candidate Pa’ele Kiakona, backed by Lahaina Strong, leads his state Legislature race by 107 votes with final ballot curing still pending.
- The election results suggest Maui voters broadly favor prioritizing local housing affordability over STR commercial activity in residential neighborhoods.
Source: Yahoo
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