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 […]
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. […]
Greenville Officials Seek Solutions for Short-Term Rental Neighborhood Issues
Greenville City Council is exploring ways to address resident complaints about short-term rental disruptions like parties and noise, but faces significant limitations from state laws and court rulings that restrict local regulation. City staff identified approximately 252 short-term rentals within city limits, mostly listed on Airbnb. Residents are complaining about parties, noise, and parking problems […]
New Federal Reserve Chair Confirmed as Congressional War Vote Fails
The Senate confirmed Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve chair in a mostly party-line vote, while both chambers failed to pass resolutions ending the war on Iran. Kevin Warsh was confirmed as Federal Reserve chair by a 54-45 Senate vote, replacing Jerome Powell. Senate resolution to end the war on Iran failed 49-50 with […]
Tupper Lake Resident Pushes Town Board for STR Rules After Years of Delays
A Tupper Lake resident is urging local officials to create short-term rental regulations, expressing concerns about STRs in residential neighborhoods. The town currently has no specific STR restrictions beyond state tax requirements. Tupper Lake currently has no specific short-term rental regulations beyond state tax collection rules. A resident cited concerns about STRs in dense residential […]