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Maui Vacation Rental Owners May Have Funded Their Own Attack

Thomas — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:27:21 +0000

Maui Vacation Rental Owners May Have Funded Their Own Attack

Photo credit: Photo by State Farm via Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Maui vacation rental owners who donated to wildfire relief may have unknowingly funded lobbying efforts against their own properties. An ethics complaint reveals potential fraud by groups claiming to help fire victims.

TLDR: Key Takeaways

Vacation rental owners donated generously to “wildfire relief”
Lahaina Strong is a for-profit company, not a charity
Funds allegedly hijacked for anti-rental lobbying
Owners may have legal recourse for fraud
Ethics complaint filed over deceptive fundraising

How Vacation Rental Owners Became Victims of Alleged Fraud

Following the devastating August 2023 wildfires, vacation rental owners donated generously. Relief efforts spread across social media, with groups like Lahaina Strong positioned as trusted charities.

Nearly two years later, mounting evidence suggests these donations funded political attacks against the very people who gave. Moreover, no funds appear to have reached fire victims.

The Shocking Truth About Lahaina Strong

Lahaina Strong became the most visible wildfire recovery name. However, state records reveal it’s not a nonprofit at all.

Instead, Lahaina Strong operates as a trade name for Ka Hooilina O Laiku LLC. Furthermore, this for-profit company lacks proper licenses and tax-exempt status.

Red Flags Vacation Rental Owners Missed

The company doesn’t have an active general excise tax license. Additionally, it’s not registered for charitable solicitation in Hawaii.

Despite handling substantial contributions, no financial disclosures exist. Therefore, donors have no idea where their money went.

Vacation Rental Owners’ Donations Allegedly Fund Anti-Rental Lobbying

Deleted Instagram posts reveal the alleged scheme. Paele Kiakona admitted receiving payment for lobbying from donation funds.

These funds came through Our Hawaii from “corporations and philanthropic sources.” However, many donors were vacation rental owners wanting to help fire victims.

Consequently, property owners may have unknowingly funded campaigns to eliminate their own investments. This deception represents potential fraud on a massive scale.

The Cruel Irony for Generous Property Owners

Vacation rental owners responded immediately after the fires. Furthermore, many donated thousands believing they helped displaced families.

Susan, a donor, expressed betrayal: “I gave money to Lahaina Strong last year. Now I’m wondering if I helped or got played.”

Eric highlighted the twisted situation: “My HOA and insurance costs are $1,700 monthly before taxes. These homes will never be affordable.”

Political Connections Deepen the Scandal

Several councilmembers openly support Lahaina Strong. Additionally, they’ve introduced legislation targeting vacation rentals.

Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez wears Lahaina Strong apparel while attacking property rights. Meanwhile, she serves on boards partnering with Our Hawaii.

Legal Recourse for Defrauded Vacation Rental Owners

This alleged fraud creates multiple legal opportunities for victims. First, donors should immediately file complaints with authorities.

Property owners who donated should document their contributions carefully. Additionally, consider joining class action lawsuits for fraudulent solicitation.

The ethics complaint already filed represents just the beginning. Moreover, criminal charges may follow if fraud allegations prove true.

Warning Signs for Future Charitable Giving

Beat of Hawaii recommends checking IRS nonprofit status before donating. Furthermore, verify Hawaii state registration for charitable solicitation.

Avoid groups without public financial disclosures. Additionally, watch for political activity disguised as charity work.

Vacation rental owners learned an expensive lesson about due diligence. However, this experience may lead to justice through legal action.

Next Steps for Affected Vacation Rental Owners

Document all donations made to Lahaina Strong or Our Hawaii immediately. Subsequently, file complaints with Hawaii’s Attorney General.

Contact attorneys specializing in fraud and charitable deception. Furthermore, connect with other owners to build collective legal action.

This scandal reveals how activists exploit tragedies for political gain. Therefore, exposing this deception protects future donors and current property rights.

Your generosity after the fires showed true aloha spirit. Now, holding fraudsters accountable ensures justice for both donors and fire victims.

This is an AI-generated analysis based on ‘Visitors Donated Millions To Maui. Where Did It Go?’ originally reported by Beat of Hawaii. Read original

Photo credit: Photo by State Farm via Flickr / CC BY 2.0

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How Maui Vacation Rentals Are Under Shocking Attack

Thomas — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:30:41 +0000

Maui Vacation Rentals: Owners Face Violent Threats

Maui vacation rentals are under unprecedented attack. Property owners now face threats, violence, and harassment as the county rushes to eliminate 7,000 legal rentals.

TLDR: Key Takeaways

7,000 Maui vacation rentals face elimination
Committee began voting process July 2, 2025
Owners report death threats and violence
Economic study warns of job losses
Legal challenges will protect property rights

How Maui Vacation Rentals Became Political Targets

The County Council started deliberations on July 2, 2025. Additionally, they heard over 20 hours of testimony from hundreds of people.

Committee Chair Tasha Kama admitted the situation has spiraled out of control. “Unfortunately, it has created division to the point of bullying, intimidation and fear,” she said.

Why Maui Vacation Rental Owners Fear for Safety

Subsequently, the committee scheduled four more listening sessions. However, these meetings turned into confrontations between activists and property owners. Aaron Kelling owns six vacation rentals and manages others locally. Consequently, he received death threats after speaking publicly. “Someone said they saw my testimony and would burn my house down,” Kelling testified. Therefore, many owners now fear speaking publicly.

Anonymous Testimony Reveals Fear

Meanwhile, owners request anonymity for safety reasons. Additionally, the committee received thousands of pages of hostile testimony. Furthermore, fake names like “Haole Killa” appeared on submissions. Council member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez admitted testimony “gotten out of control on both sides.”

Lahaina Strong Admits Harassment of Vacation Rental Owners

Moreover, Paele Kiakona leads the anti-rental group Lahaina Strong. However, he admitted his group faces criticism for their aggressive tactics. Kiakona received “crazy, slandering text messages” himself. Nevertheless, he dismissed owner complaints as payback. Additionally, Lahaina Strong posts mock property owners online. Therefore, tensions continue escalating between both sides.

Economic Study Shows Maui Vacation Rentals Support Economy

Furthermore, University of Hawaii economists studied the proposal’s impact. Consequently, they warned about massive job losses ahead. Additionally, Maui vacation rentals generate millions in tax revenue. Moreover, these 7,000 units support thousands of local jobs.

Timeline Offers No Protection

Initially, Mayor Bissen wanted immediate implementation. Subsequently, he proposed a three-year phase-out instead. However, this extension provides little comfort to owners. Therefore, legal investments still face elimination regardless of timeline.

Local Families Depend on Maui Vacation Rental Income

Meanwhile, Matt Tarasenko manages 80 vacation rentals locally. Furthermore, he warned council members about widespread economic damage. “This will devastate locals in hospitality,” Tarasenko explained. Additionally, he listed affected businesses including restaurants, shops, and service providers.

Not Just Wealthy Outsiders

Moreover, Heather Casada owns one South Kihei rental. Consequently, it became her only income after her scuba business closed. “I am deeply invested in our community,” she testified. Therefore, the stereotype of wealthy mainland owners proves false.

Why Maui Vacation Rentals Won’t Become Affordable Housing

Furthermore, activists claim rentals should house locals instead. However, these properties lack what families need. Additionally, beachfront units require expensive maintenance. Moreover, they sit far from schools and lack adequate parking. Consequently, Tarasenko said he’d keep units empty for visiting friends. Therefore, the affordable housing argument falls apart.

Legal Rights Protect Property Owners

Meanwhile, former Attorney General David Louie testified about constitutional violations. Additionally, he warned the county faces “huge problems” legally. “The County wants to wipe out lawful, vested rentals,” Louie explained. Therefore, legal challenges will likely succeed.

Protecting Your Maui Vacation Rental Investment

Nevertheless, property owners maintain strong legal positions. Furthermore, constitutional protections defend vested rights effectively. Moreover, the committee vote represents just one step forward. Subsequently, full council approval and legal challenges will take years. Therefore, document your property’s legal status immediately. Additionally, join collective legal efforts to share costs and strengthen positions. This is an AI-generated analysis based on ‘Inside The ‘Out-Of-Control’ Debate Over Maui Vacation Rentals’ originally reported by Civil Beat. Read original

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