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Aloha! It’s Charlie Schlather with Century 21 – Your Key to Maui Real Estate.
Given all the attention this topic has received, I thought it would be helpful to take a moment to recap where we stand and outline the next steps.
In May 2024, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen proposed legislation to phase out over 7,100 short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in apartment-zoned districts, aiming to convert them into long-term housing to address the island’s housing crisis. The proposal suggests ending STR operations by July 1, 2025, in West Maui, and by January 1, 2026, in the rest of Maui County. In July 2024, the Maui Planning Commission unanimously recommended the bill’s adoption, with added considerations for economic, social, and environmental impacts. The proposal has been forwarded to the Maui County Council for final decision-making. As of January 2025, the Council is reviewing the bill, with a decision expected in the coming months.
While this proposal has been moving through the process, the November elections brought significant developments. The Maui County Council elections were pivotal for this proposal’s future. The results sent a clear message: the majority of voters favor pro-development policies and are against the STR proposal. Following the elections, the Mayor’s team adjusted their stance, indicating they’d be satisfied with converting “a couple hundred” units to Long-Term Rentals—substantially fewer than the initial 7,000+ target.
Currently, the City Council is awaiting a Financial Assessment from the University of Hawaii, expected by the end of January. While a vote could happen as early as February, past delays suggest March is more likely.
If you’re considering buying or selling a property on the well-known Minatoya List (A1 and A2 zoned properties under review for conversion), the final decision on this proposal—regardless of the outcome—could offer buyers the clarity they need, potentially driving increased interest and activity in these properties.
Have a question? Feel free to reach out to me, Your Key to Maui Real Estate;)
*The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. While we strive to ensure accuracy, real estate laws, policies, and market conditions can change rapidly. We encourage readers to verify details with official sources, such as Maui County government websites, real estate professionals, or legal advisors, before making any decisions. This blog does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.
