🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Hawaii County, HI
A Step Toward Clarity on Short-Term Rentals: Hawaii County’s New Bill in the Works
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A Step Toward Clarity on Short-Term Rentals: Hawai'i County’s New Bill in the Works
Big news for Hawaiʻi Island homeowners and hosts: The County Council is pushing forward with Bill 47, a fresh attempt to tighten the rules around short-term rentals, or “transient vacation rentals” as they’re officially called.
The bill, championed by Council Members Ashley Kierkiewicz and Heather Kimball, would require all short-term rental properties—yes, all of them—to register with the county. That means hosts would need to provide information like their property’s location, how many units they’re renting, and whether they live on-site or not. The fees? $250 for hosted rentals, $500 for unhosted ones—and a hefty $10,000 fine for those who fail to register.
Trustee Akina KWO Columns
What’s driving this push? County leaders say they need better data. According to Kimball, only 4,800 short-term rentals are officially registered with the county’s Planning Department, but early estimates from an ongoing economic impact study suggest there could be two to three times as many operating in reality.
Forms & Permit Applications
“This is about getting a clearer picture of what’s happening out there,” Kierkiewicz said at a recent council meeting. The council hopes a draft analysis from their hired vendor—expected by early June—will help guide decisions on future regulations.
Still, not everyone is sold on the timing. Council Member Rebecca Villegas cautioned against rushing into new rules before the economic study is complete warning that unclear registration processes could cause more confusion and chaos.
This latest bill follows on the heels of last year’s Bill 121, a much broader—and more controversial—attempt to overhaul short-term rental laws. That bill sparked concerns from homeowners who said the changes would be too costly and disruptive.
With Bill 47, it’s clear the county is taking a step-by-step approach to reform. Whether you’re a host or just watching the debate unfold, stay tuned: big changes could be coming to Hawaiʻi Island’s short-term rental scene.
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