Hawaii Governor Considers Moratorium on Short-Term Housing rentals on Maui

Sunset on a Maui Beach

Think twice about renting a home for vacation in the month of January on the island of Maui. There might not be any available.

There are more than 6,000 residents of the island that was devastated by the August wildfires who are having trouble finding housing because of an affordability issue.

A clearly annoyed and frustrated Hawaii Governor Josh Green is considering a moratorium on short-term rental houses on the island in the month of January. It would help the long-term residents who are still having trouble finding housing.

But many residents have also expressed a desire to cash in while the market is hot.

“We have had multiple individuals share with us insinuating comments that they shouldn’t be forced to change their model, that that’s their right to rent to whomever they choose,” the Gov. said.

Yet many residents are living out of hotel rooms and Green is angered by the situation. Both he and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen acted to incentivize the owners of Maui’s 12,000 short-term rental properties and turn them into long-term housing.

The governor said it’s been a split decision among those who are willing to accept tax breaks for turning their short-term rentals into long-term properties, and those who simply don’t want to be told what to do with their rentals.

It’s quite a dilemma.

On one hand, there is a need to bring in dollars to the local economy which is heavily dependent on tourism. On the other hand, there is also the need to take care of your full-time residents.

Green said he will follow through with his threat of a moratorium if 3,000 units don’t volunteer to participate in the program.

“I’m sure we will face litigation, but I will do it if we don’t get 3,000 units for our people who have been living in hotels,” he said. “It’s not civilized to make people wait to get housing after they’ve lost their home to a fire. That may be viewed as fairly controversial, [but] not from the perspective of someone who’s got a family of five or six people and they’ve been living in a hotel room. They need to be helped. So I’ll do that if necessary.”

Maui’s hopes for a holiday travel boost are dwindling.