Zoning and Historic Rules Are Stalling Lahaina’s Rebuild, Three Years On
Nearly three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, only 220 homes have been rebuilt and not a single destroyed business has been fully reconstructed. A layered web of historic-preservation, zoning, and land-use regulations is cited as the primary cause of the slow recovery. Of more than 2,200 structures destroyed, only 220 homes have been rebuilt […]
Lahaina Rebuild Stalls: Only 220 Homes Done, Zero Businesses Reopened
Nearly three years after the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, rebuilding remains extremely slow, with only 220 homes completed and no destroyed businesses yet rebuilt. State and county permitting, zoning, and historic-preservation rules are cited as major obstacles. Only 220 houses have been rebuilt in Lahaina, with many vacant lots still remaining nearly three years after the […]
Lawsuit Seeks to Block Law Streamlining Lahaina Rebuild Permits
Environmental nonprofit Maui Tomorrow Foundation has sued to invalidate Act 070, a state law that exempts many Lahaina reconstruction projects from Special Management Area permit requirements. The law was specifically crafted to accelerate rebuilding in coastal areas of Maui County after the 2023 wildfire. Maui Tomorrow Foundation filed suit alleging Act 070, signed by Gov. […]
May 2026 Maui Tourism: Visitor Numbers Up but Stays Getting Shorter
May 2026 tourism data shows more visitors coming to Hawaii, but they are staying for shorter periods. Separately, rebuilt affordable apartments in Lahaina filled immediately upon opening. May 2026 visitor statistics show increased arrivals to Hawaii compared to prior periods, though average length of stay has declined. Newly rebuilt affordable apartment units in Lahaina were […]
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 […]
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, […]
New Laws Target Permit Delays That Slow Housing Construction Statewide
The Hawaii Legislature passed several bills aimed at speeding up building permits by addressing staff shortages and streamlining processes. The measures allow counties to offer higher salaries for permit reviewers and standardize permit data between counties. Counties can now recruit permitting staff at higher salaries and offer incentives to address reviewer shortages. New legislation clarifies […]
Oahu Condo Market Shifts Toward Local Buyers as STR Rules Tighten
New data shows 83% of Oahu property sales in 2025 went to local buyers, with short-term rental permits now restricted to resort zones like Waikiki. The condo market faces challenges from rising maintenance fees and surprise assessments that can reach tens of thousands. Short-term rental permits are now limited to resort-zoned areas like Waikiki and […]
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 […]
Revenue Management Issues Impact Vacation Rental Performance on Maui
Industry experts identify common operational problems that hurt vacation rental revenue, including poor listing quality and flat cleaning fees that reduce bookings during slower periods. 88% of vacation rental listings have quality issues that hurt their search visibility and booking conversion rates. Poor listing content forces revenue managers to lower nightly rates to compensate for […]