Multiple sources report that the Maui County Council is considering legislation that could allow thousands of vacation rentals previously slated for phase-out to continue operating through new hotel zoning designations. The Committee on Housing and Land Use voted 6-to-1 in favor of the measure this week, despite opposition from local planning commissions.
- Bill 88 would create two new hotel zones that could allow properties affected by the vacation rental phase-out to continue short-term rental operations
- The committee voted 6-to-1 to advance the measure, which now moves to the full council for final approval
- All three local planning commissions (Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i) had recommended against the measure
- Mayor Richard Bissen testified in support, calling it an “intentional next step” in implementing the original phase-out legislation
- Committee members approved an amendment to exempt Moloka’i from the new hotel zoning option
- Approximately 4,500 grandfathered vacation rentals at 104 Minatoya List properties are affected by the original phase-out (Beatofhawaii)
- Affected properties would need to apply for the new hotel zoning designation if the bill passes
- The original Bill 9 set phase-out deadlines of January 1, 2029 for West Maui and January 1, 2031 for the rest of Maui County
Sources
- Hawaii Public Radio: Maui council weighs new hotel zones in vacation rental phase-out equation
- Beatofhawaii: Thousands Of Maui Vacation Rentals Looked Doomed. Now They May Be Saved.
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