Part 7/11:

Reducing or eliminating short-term rentals threatens to diminish tourism-related income and tax collection—affecting jobs, community services, and the overall vibrancy of Maui. Critics highlight that such policies ignore the broader economic ecosystem, including small businesses that rely directly or indirectly on the short-term rental industry.

Risks in Policy and Future Implications

Perhaps most alarming is that Bill 9 does not specifically target illegal or malicious rentals. Instead, it retroactively changes the rules for legally operating units, setting a troubling precedent. This move signals that even legally compliant owners could face loss of property rights, increased risks, and financial losses, deterring future investments.