🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Maui, HI
Are We Losing Homes or Just Shifting the Problem?
A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.
Are We Losing Homes or Just Shifting the Problem?
The county’s plan falls short in addressing affordable housing and could significantly harm the local economy.
In an attempt to solve Maui’s deepening housing crisis, county leaders are proposing a major overhaul: phasing out 7,000 short-term rental units by 2026. The hope? Turn tourist lodgings into homes for locals. But is the plan solving the problem—or simply shifting it?
The intent is noble, but the details raise eyebrows. Many STR units—mainly one-bedroom or studio condos—weren’t built for long-term living. They come with hefty monthly costs, minimal living space, and HOA restrictions that make them unsuitable for families. In fact, most local households couldn’t afford them even if they were available for long-term rent.
The economic repercussions could also be staggering. Analysts at the University of Hawaiʻi predict nearly 1,900 jobs could disappear, along with $900 million in annual tourist spending and $60 million in property tax revenue. These are funds that currently help pay for vital services and potential affordable housing efforts.
STRisker Calendar Tracker
Staying ahead of STR regulations isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about knowing what’s coming. Our Calendar Tracker keeps you informed on upcoming meetings, key votes, and policy changes, so you never miss a critical update.
And what if the plan doesn’t even work? A 2025 survey found that only 8% of apartment-zoned STR owners said they’d rent their units long-term if forced to stop STR operations. Most would rather sell or keep them for personal use. That means fewer housing gains than hoped—and more economic losses than anticipated.
Instead of blanket policies, experts suggest targeted steps:
✔️crackdown on illegal STRs
✔️earmark STR tax income for affordable housing
✔️speed up zoning changes to support ADUs and 201H developments.
Maui stands at a crossroads. The need for affordable housing is real, but the solution must be smart, not shortsighted.
Informative Resource
- Latest ordinance amending Chapters 19.64, Bed and Breakfast Home Permits and 19.65, Short-term Rental Home Permits (Ordinance 5300, effective November 26, 2021)
Stay Updated with STRisker
STRisker offers tools and features to keep you updated with the Short-Term Rental movement across the U.S.
👍 We’d love your feedback.
We're always looking for ways to improve Bulletins.
Was this one useful to you? Other topics you'd like to see get covered?
✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!
-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading this Bulletin? Feel free to forward this along. We want to make sure operators and stakeholders are aware of regulatory changes in their area.