Mayoral Candidate Vows to Repeal STR Phase-Out Law, Cut Property Taxes
Former Planning Commission chair Denise La Costa is running for mayor promising to repeal Bill 9 that phases out vacation rentals in apartment districts, plus cut various county taxes and fees. La Costa wants to repeal Bill 9, which phases out vacation rentals from apartment districts over 3-5 years. She claims repealing the STR phase-out […]
Townsend Gives STR Owners 60 Days to Get Required City Permits
Townsend commissioners approved new short-term rental ordinances requiring owners to obtain city permits within 60 days. The permits cost $250 annually and include safety requirements like smoke detectors and 24/7 contact availability. STR owners have 60 days from ordinance approval to obtain required city permits costing $250 per year. Safety requirements include smoke detectors, carbon […]
Idaho Law Creates Insurance Gap for Short-Term Rental Operators
Idaho’s new law classifies short-term rentals as residential activity, but homeowners insurance policies still exclude commercial rental activity, leaving hosts potentially uncovered. The disconnect between state classification and insurance coverage could expose property owners to significant financial risk. Idaho House Bill 583 prohibits cities from requiring STR licenses or permits starting July 1, 2026. The […]
Stowe Board Proposes 850-Unit Cap and License Transfer Restrictions
Stowe’s selectboard is considering amendments that would cap short-term rentals at 850 units and prevent license transfers when non-resident owners sell properties. The regulations would exempt homestead residents and set an August 2026 registration deadline. Proposed cap of 850 short-term rental properties with grandfathering for those registered by Aug. 6, 2026. Non-resident owners who miss […]
Kaanapali Beach Lifeguard Tower Plans Move Forward After Missing Tourist
A missing North Carolina swimmer at Kaanapali Beach has renewed focus on planned lifeguard services for the area. County officials say a lifeguard tower design is underway after securing private property permissions. A 75-year-old North Carolina visitor went missing while snorkeling near Black Rock at Kaanapali Resort on May 8. Coast Guard and county rescue […]
South Kihei Road Storm Repairs Resume May 28 with Daytime Closures
Storm damage repairs on South Kihei Road will resume May 28 with weekday lane closures through June 20. Local access only will be allowed during working hours with detours required for through traffic. Repair work paused temporarily due to material delivery delays but resumes May 28. Daytime closures from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays […]
Medical Air Transport Program Updates Referral Process for Molokai, Lanai
Pūlama Ka Heke has expanded its medical air transport program to allow specialists to submit referrals directly when primary care providers cannot, aiming to reduce delays in off-island medical care. The ERMAT program now allows treating specialists to submit referrals directly when primary care providers are unable to do so. All referrals must include confirmed […]
Agriculture Leader Bobby Pahia Announces County Council Campaign
Bobby Pahia, a family business owner and agriculture leader, has filed to run for Maui County Council with priorities focused on protecting land, providing cost-of-living relief, and empowering collective leadership. Pahia brings decades of experience in land use planning, water management, and infrastructure maintenance. His campaign centers on three priorities: protect ‘āina, provide cost-of-living relief, […]
Mayor Bissen Announces Re-election Campaign for Maui County
Mayor Richard Bissen filed for re-election, citing continued work needed on housing, infrastructure, and wildfire recovery. His administration reports 190% increase in affordable housing production and securing $1.6 billion in federal recovery funding. Bissen’s administration increased affordable housing production by 190% since 2023 with nearly 900 homes delivered. The county secured approximately $1.6 billion in […]
Kihei Road Storm Repairs Resume May 28 with Daytime Lane Closures
Storm damage repairs on South Kīhei Road will resume May 28 after a materials delivery delay, causing weekday and Saturday lane closures through June 20. South Kīhei Road between Ohukai Road and Kūlanihākoʻi Street will have daytime closures 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays starting May 28. Only local access will be allowed […]