Federal Aid Deadlines Approaching for March Kona Low Storm Damage
Multiple state and federal agencies are reminding Maui residents that deadlines are approaching for disaster assistance related to March 2026 Kona Low flooding and storms. Property owners have until mid-June to apply for FEMA aid, SBA loans, and unemployment assistance. June 14 is the final deadline to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA low-interest […]
Hawaii Passes Two Housing Bills Affecting Property Market
The Hawaii Legislature passed bills updating the Individual Housing Account savings program and reforming affordable housing restrictions. A parking reform bill failed in a tie vote. Individual Housing Account program updated with higher tax-deductible deposit limits to help families save for home down payments. Inclusionary zoning reform passed, reducing restrictions that prevented locals from qualifying […]
Major Maui Developer Reports Reduced Losses But Sharp Revenue Drop in Q1
Maui Land & Pineapple narrowed its quarterly losses but saw revenues fall 41% due to suspended housing projects and reduced land sales activity. Land development revenues plummeted from $2.6 million to $257,000 after state suspension of Honokeana Homes housing project. Commercial real estate leasing remained stable at $2 million with 93% occupancy boosted by post-wildfire […]
Maui County Advances $30M Tax Increase on Short-Term Rentals
Maui County Council moved forward with plans to increase property taxes by $30 million, targeting short-term rentals, non-owner-occupied homes, and timeshares while reducing taxes on owner-occupied and long-term rental properties. Maui County Council approved a $30 million property tax increase affecting short-term rentals, non-owner-occupied homes, timeshares, and some bed-and-breakfast properties. The plan reduces taxes on […]
Hawaiian Electric Faces Ongoing Legal Battles Over Maui Fire Liability
Hawaiian Electric continues to deal with litigation related to the Maui wildfires, highlighting ongoing legal and financial risks for the utility company. Hawaiian Electric faces continued litigation stemming from the Maui wildfire incidents. Wildfire liability laws in some Western states can hold utilities responsible for fire damage regardless of fault. Utility companies in fire-prone areas […]
Timeshare Rental Platform RedWeek Grows as Hawaii Vacation Option
RedWeek’s verified timeshare rental marketplace is gaining popularity among travelers seeking safer online booking options, with Hawaii remaining one of their strongest destination categories including verified listings across all major islands. RedWeek operates as a trusted marketplace connecting timeshare owners with renters through verified listings and protected payments. The platform has A+ BBB accreditation and […]
Big Island Approves New Property Tax Structure Targeting High-Value Homes
The Hawaii County Council has approved new property tax rates for fiscal year 2026-27 that reduce taxes for primary residences while significantly increasing rates for luxury second homes. Multiple sources report the changes are designed to address a $15 million budget shortfall and rising wastewater infrastructure costs. Primary residences and affordable rental housing will see […]
Hawaii County Proposes Property Tax Increases for Second Homes, Investments
Hawaii County Council is considering raising property tax rates on non-resident and second homes to address a $15 million budget deficit, while reducing rates for local owner-occupied properties. Tax rates would increase most for properties over $2 million, rising from $13.60 to $15 per $1,000 of taxable value. A new ‘luxury’ tier tax rate of […]
Rising Restaurant Costs and Declining Quality May Impact Visitor Experience
Hawaii visitors report paying premium prices for disappointing restaurant meals, leading some to cook their own food instead of dining out during vacations. Visitors increasingly frustrated with expensive restaurant meals that don’t justify their high cost. Restaurant industry facing pressure from rising labor costs and expensive ingredients statewide. Some travelers now prepare their own meals […]
Hawaii County Eyes Property Tax Increases for Non-Resident and Second Homes
Hawaii County Council will hold a public hearing on proposed property tax rate increases for non-resident and second home properties to address a $15 million budget deficit. Owner-occupied homes would see slight tax rate reductions. Properties worth $2-4 million would see tax rates rise from $11.10-13.60 to $12.10-15.00 per $1,000 of taxable value. A new […]