Whitehorse Implements Staged Restrictions on Short-Term Rental Properties
Whitehorse City Council approved new regulations limiting short-term rentals in residential areas, with restrictions on non-resident operators taking effect in October 2027. Current operators can continue under a grandfather clause if they comply with city regulations. New short-term rental operators will be prohibited from renting residential properties that aren’t their primary residence starting October 1, […]
Hawaii Bans Corporate Political Spending Starting July 2027
Governor Green signed a new law prohibiting corporations and LLCs from spending money on political campaigns or ballot measures. The law takes effect July 1, 2027 and applies to all business entities organized under Hawaii law. Act 011 bans corporations, LLCs, and other business entities from spending on elections or ballot measures starting July 2027. […]
Hawaii Attorney General Defends State’s Medicaid Fraud Enforcement Record
Hawaii’s Attorney General responded to federal criticism by citing 25 Medicaid fraud prosecutions and $14 million in recoveries since 2021. The state is working with federal partners to strengthen enforcement after a recent federal review identified challenges. Hawaii’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has secured $14 million in judgments and settlements across 25 cases since 2021. […]
BC Privacy Ruling Protects Short-Term Rental Operator Address Privacy
British Columbia’s privacy commissioner ruled that Vancouver must keep short-term rental operator addresses confidential to protect owners from harassment and financial harm. The decision came after a years-long public records dispute by a housing advocate. BC privacy adjudicator ruled short-term rental addresses must remain private to prevent harassment and reputational damage to operators. The decision […]
Maui Mayor Bissen Files for Re-Election, Key Council Members Seek New Terms
Mayor Richard Bissen has officially filed to run for re-election as Maui’s mayor, emphasizing the need for steady leadership. Several key Maui County Council incumbents have also committed to seeking re-election. Mayor Bissen has filed his re-election paperwork, campaigning on providing steady leadership for Maui. Multiple current Maui County Council members have officially entered the […]
Hawaii High Court Reviews Civil Case Delays During Criminal Proceedings
The Hawaii Supreme Court is considering when civil cases should be paused while defendants face criminal charges, in a case involving jailed defense contractor Martin Kao. The ruling could set precedent for how Hawaii courts handle overlapping civil and criminal proceedings. Former Navatek CEO Martin Kao is serving 10+ years for fraud and illegal campaign […]
Jackson Developer Admits to Unlawful Short-Term Rental of Worker Housing
A Jackson business owner admitted to using a deed-restricted worker apartment as an Airbnb rental, violating his 2019 contract with the town, though he denies fraudulent intent. Jeff Neishabouri admitted to short-term renting a deed-restricted apartment required for Jackson Hole workers on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The Town of Jackson sued Neishabouri in March […]
HGTV Stars Owe $40K in Fines for Unpermitted Vacation Rentals
Renovation Aloha hosts Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama face $40,000 in unpaid fines for operating two illegal short-term rentals in Honolulu without proper permits. The properties were operating outside resort zones without special permits required by city regulations. One Kaneohe property was fining $1,000/night for 3-night stays without permits, resulting in $10,000 fine and now requires […]
February Tourist Spending Rises 10.3% as Economic Recovery Continues
Tourist spending in Hawaii increased 10.3% in February while UHERO released analysis on Maui’s post-fire tourism economic impact. Several other legal and political developments are affecting the state. February tourist spending increased 10.3% compared to the previous period. UHERO published analysis examining the economic impact of Maui’s tourism downturn following the fires. Honolulu officials are […]