Daily Regulatory Notes 05/29/2025
Cities address STRs. Hawaii passes legislation; Saranac Lake, NY amends rules; Dana Point, CA adjusts STR oversight; Somers Point, NJ introduces measure. READ MORE.
Every day, we bring you a detailed overview of recent news and updates about primary decisions, community feedback, or legislative changes relevant to the short-term rental industry. 📰
Hawaii
Hawaii is set to become the first state to use a dedicated lodging tax to fund environmental protection and climate adaptation. The new legislation, supported by Governor Josh Green, adds a 0.75% increase to the state’s hotel and vacation rental tax and introduces an 11% cruise ship tax starting in 2026.
Together with other fees, Hawaii’s total lodging tax will rise to nearly 19% among the nation’s highest. The funds, expected to generate $100 million annually, will go toward wildfire prevention and shoreline protection.
Saranac Lake’s board of trustees has approved updates to its 2023 short-term rental rules in response to growing concerns about housing shortages.
Town Web | SK
The new changes may require STR owners to prove village residency and ensure units aren’t located within 200 feet of one another. Trustee Kelly Brunette said the amendments aim to protect neighborhoods and increase fairness in the rental market.
Dana Point is adjusting its short-term rental oversight, letting staff approve lower-risk permits and contracting with Deckard Technologies to catch illegal rentals.
The 4-1 council vote on May 6 comes after voters rejected Measure T, which aimed to tighten STR rules. While some residents raised concerns about noise and neighborhood disruption, others noted the importance of STR revenue—over $16 million in 2024 alone. The city’s first annual STR report is due in February 2026.
Somers Point City Council narrowly voted 5-2 to introduce a measure that would increase the minimum stay at short-term rentals from three nights to seven, aiming to reduce neighborhood disruptions tied to frequent guest turnover.
Councilman Sean McGuigan argued that longer stays could prevent the constant influx of new renters and lessen noise and nuisance issues, while Councilmembers Janice Johnston and Rick DePamphilis pushed back saying the current rules—set after extensive community input in 2023—already struck a fair balance. With a second reading scheduled for June 12, city officials are now inviting public input.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: 05/28/2025 Daily Regulatory Notes
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STRisker Calendar Tracker
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