🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Maui County, HI
Bill 9 Blazes Forward: Maui Takes a Big Swing at Vacation Rentals
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Bill 9 Blazes Forward: Maui Takes a Big Swing at Vacation Rentals
Maui County is one step closer to a massive shift in its housing and tourism balance. On July 25, the County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee advanced Bill 9, a hotly debated measure that would eliminate more than 7,000 short-term rentals (STRs) in apartment-zoned districts over the next five years.
The bill’s phase-out plan starts in West Maui by 2028—an area still recovering from the devastating 2023 fires—and extends to the rest of the island by 2030. The goal? To open up more long-term housing for local families, especially in high-impact zones like West and South Maui.
Hundreds of residents testified both for and against the bill this summer. Many backed the plan, saying the vacation rental boom has pushed out teachers, nurses, and working-class families. Others, especially property owners and STR operators, warned of lost income, job cuts, and a rocky transition.
Mayor Richard Bissen, who introduced the bill in 2024, says it’s a crucial first step to “secure a future where our keiki can live and thrive.” Housing Director Richard Mitchell echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Bill 9 is just one part of a broader housing strategy.
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But the opposition wasn’t quiet. Councilmember Tom Cook opposed the bill, arguing it leaves STR owners with no practical roadmap for rezoning or adapting. Sugimura, also a "no" vote, said it needs stronger protections and better planning for shoreline and resort properties.
Even supporters like Chair Alice Lee had concerns. She voted yes, but with reservations, calling the bill rushed and lacking concrete mechanisms. “Let’s not fool the people,” she said, noting that zoning changes can take decades.
Supporters like Gabe Johnson and Tamara Paltin urged action now to stop the “speculation and commodification” of housing. They say the longer the Council waits, the worse the crisis becomes.
A temporary investigative group is now on the table to help troubleshoot issues as the bill moves toward its second reading before the full Council.
The tension is palpable—but so is the momentum. With public support from groups like Lahaina Strong, and more Council members leaning in than stepping back, the era of unchecked vacation rentals in Maui may be on its way out.
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