Maui Council Approves New Hotel Zoning Districts for Grandfathered Vacation Rentals
The Maui County Council voted 7-2 to pass Bill 88, creating two new hotel zoning districts (H-3 and H-4) that give roughly 4,500 grandfathered vacation rentals on the Minatoya List a potential path to rezone and continue operating. The bill establishes the zoning framework only — individual properties must still apply for rezoning separately. Bill […]
Vrbo Denies Refund Despite Hawaii Emergency Declaration, Leaves Host Decision
Multiple news sources report on a Massachusetts family’s dispute with Vrbo after losing $12,000 when the platform declined to activate its emergency policy during Hawaii’s March state of emergency. The case highlights how vacation rental platforms handle emergency cancellations and the discretion given to individual property hosts. Massachusetts family lost $12,000 on Vrbo rental after […]
Maui County Zoning Code Rewrite Restarts After 6-Year Delay
Maui County is restarting its zoning code rewrite project after six years with no completed draft, despite hiring experienced consultants in 2019. The outdated code from 1960 limits housing density options that could help address Maui’s housing shortage. The county hired consultants in 2019 to complete a new zoning code by 2026, but the project […]
Maui’s Mineral-Only Sunscreen Law Blocks New FDA-Approved Ingredient
The FDA approved its first new sunscreen ingredient in decades, but Maui County’s mineral-only sunscreen law prohibits visitors from using products containing the new chemical filter bemotrizinol. Maui County’s 2022 ordinance allows only mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, blocking the new FDA-approved bemotrizinol ingredient. The new ingredient bemotrizinol offers improved UVA protection […]
Honolulu Delays Foreclosure Despite $3M in Illegal STR Fines
A year after Honolulu City Council approved foreclosure on an illegal short-term rental with $3 million in fines, the city has not taken the property to court. The delay undermines the city’s enforcement credibility despite collecting more violation fines overall. Honolulu has not proceeded with foreclosure on Alewa Heights property one year after council approval, […]
Maui County Planning Department Schedules Public Sessions on Zoning Rewrite
Multiple sources report that Maui County’s Planning Department will begin public presentations on a comprehensive rewrite of the county’s zoning code. The multiyear effort aims to modernize land use regulations throughout Maui County. The Planning Department will present an update on the Title 19 rewrite to the County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee on […]
County announces meetings on comprehensive zoning code rewrite project
The County of Maui Department of Planning will present updates on the Title 19 zoning code rewrite beginning June 17, according to reports from multiple sources. The multi-year effort aims to modernize the foundational laws governing land use and development throughout Maui County. Planning Department will present to County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee […]
County Begins Multi-Year Zoning Code Overhaul Process This Month
Maui County is starting a multi-year rewrite of its foundational zoning laws, beginning with presentations to the County Council and planning commissions in June and July. The County Council Housing and Land Use Committee will receive the first presentation on June 17 at 9 a.m. The rewrite aims to modernize zoning laws to reflect current […]
Maui Mayor Race Features Debate Over Short-Term Rental Housing Policy
The 2026 Maui mayoral election includes incumbent Richard Bissen and County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura, with short-term rental conversion to affordable housing emerging as a key campaign issue. Incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen faces County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura and other candidates in the mayoral race. Short-term rental conversion to address affordable housing shortages […]
Civil Beat Survey Asks Maui Council Candidates About STR Phase-Out Plans
A media survey will ask Maui County Council candidates about their approach to the ongoing vacation rental phase-out affecting thousands of properties. The survey responses will be published before July ballots arrive. Civil Beat is surveying all 2026 candidates about key issues affecting their districts and offices. Maui County Council candidates will specifically be asked […]