Hawaii Reports 70% Jump in Concealed Carry Permits, Maui Lower Than Average
Hawaii’s Attorney General released 2025 concealed carry permit statistics showing statewide increases, with Maui County having notably fewer permit holders relative to its population compared to other counties. Statewide concealed carry permits increased 70.5% to 3,764 total licenses by end of 2025. Maui County was underrepresented with only 6.3% of state permits despite having 11.3% […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Hawaii Enacts Tax Structure Changes to Address $3B Revenue Shortfall
Governor Josh Green signed legislation making targeted changes to Hawaii’s tax structure in response to a projected $3 billion revenue shortfall from federal actions, as reported by multiple news outlets. The law preserves most income tax relief for low- and middle-income households while revising future tax adjustments and eliminating certain tax credits. Senate Bill 3125 […]
Convention Center Prohibits Off-Duty Officers from Carrying Weapons
The Hawaii Convention Center bars off-duty police officers from carrying firearms inside the facility, even though HPD policy requires officers to carry weapons while off duty. Off-duty police officers attending personal events at the Hawaii Convention Center must disarm before entering. Only uniformed officers or those on official duty are allowed to carry firearms in […]
Kauai Man Convicted on Federal Child Pornography Charges
A 40-year-old Hanapepe resident was convicted by federal jury on charges of producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography after targeting vulnerable children online. Roger Biggs faces mandatory minimum 15-year prison sentence with sentencing scheduled for September 2026. FBI investigation began after anonymous online complaint and multiple CyberTipline reports from social media platforms. Evidence showed Biggs […]
McFarland Commission Backs Tighter Short-Term Rental Rules with Grandfather Clause
McFarland’s Plan Commission unanimously recommended stricter short-term rental regulations including a 7-day minimum stay requirement for all owners and limiting rentals to 180 consecutive days per year. Current permit holders would be grandfathered from most new restrictions. The Plan Commission will send the proposed ordinance changes to the village board for a May 26 vote. […]
UHERO Report: Short-Term Rentals Reduce Housing Supply for Residents
A new University of Hawaii study identifies vacation rentals as taking significant housing stock away from residents, with 34,500 active STRs statewide. The report recommends restricting short-term rentals to increase residential housing supply and improve affordability. Hawaii had 34,500 active advertised vacation rentals statewide in 2025, up from 33,600 the previous year. UHERO economists say […]
EPA Blocks Closure of Major Power Plants in Kahului and Hilo
The Environmental Protection Agency has rejected a proposal to shut down power generation facilities in Kahului and Hilo. This decision maintains existing electrical infrastructure serving central Maui and the Big Island. EPA declined to approve the closure of power plants located in Kahului and Hilo. The decision preserves current electricity generation capacity for both islands. […]