Idaho short-term rental bill runs counter to Trump’s housing policy | Opinion
President Donald Trump recently proclaimed that “we want homes for people, not for corporations.” He wants to “stop Wall Street from treating America’s neighborhoods like…
Join the Hawai’i Chapter of the Alliance for Stronger Communities
The Situation
Hawai’i has long been a unique and special destination for U.S. and international travelers alike. Millions of travelers visit the Hawaiian Islands each year for vacations, weddings, conventions, business and more. As this destination only continues to grow in popularity, visitors are interested in a variety of lodging options – which has given rise to an influx of short-term rentals, fueled by platforms like Airbnb, VRBO and others.
As more residential homes across Hawai’i are purchased by out-of-state investors for use as a commercial short-term rental, it’s important that state and local leaders listen to the needs of Hawai’i residents who don’t want their neighborhoods overrun by strangers and illegal hotels. Unfortunately, the rise in short-term rentals also brings with it the potential for party houses and disrespectful guests, crime, drug use and other frequent disturbances.
Legislative Initiatives
Residents need guardrails to curb the proliferation of unregulated short-term rentals in our neighborhoods. Thankfully, the Hawai’i Legislature passed SB 2919, which helps address the rise in short-term rentals by giving local communities the authority to regulate these properties. Governor Josh Green signed this legislation into law on May 3, 2024.
The new Hawai’i law brings security and stability to many of Hawai’i’s neighborhoods by giving those who know their communities best – local authorities – the power to regulate these properties. It will also improve the state’s limited housing supply for residents.
The Hawai’i Chapter of the Alliance for Stronger Communities will continue to fight to protect communities from the consequences of these unregulated properties.
Short-Term Rental Hotspots in Hawai’i
(Source: AirDNA.co)
Honolulu: 6,740 Short-Term Rentals
In Honolulu, 68% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 47% since 2020 – taking 6,740 homes off the market.
Lahaina: 5,260 Short-Term Rentals
In Lahaina, 73% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 7% since 2021 – taking 5,260 homes off the market.
Kailua Kona: 3,830 Short-Term Rentals
In Kailua Kona, 76% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 60% since 2022 – taking 3,830 homes off the market.
Koloa: 1,976 Short-Term Rentals
In Koloa, 83% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 65% since 2021 – taking 1,976 homes off the market.
Princeville: 1,931 Short-Term Rentals
In Princeville, 82% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 76% since 2021 – taking 1,931 homes off the market.
Waikoloa: 457 Short-Term Rentals
In Waikoloa, 74% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 34% since 2021 – taking 1,233 homes off the market.
Kapaa: 1,976 Short-Term Rentals
In Kapaa, 79% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 65% since 2021 – taking 1,976 homes off the market.
Hilo: 447 Short-Term Rentals
In Hilo, 73% of Airbnbs are now commercially operated – up 85% since 2021 – taking 447 homes off the market.
In The News
Hawaii Governor Pledges To Sign Vacation Rental Regulation Bill
Key Committee Passes Vacation Rentals
Maui Wildfire Advocacy Group Celebrates Short-Term Rental Bill Passing Senate-House Committee
A Statewide Ban On Vacation Rentals? The Idea Is Gaining Steam After The Maui Fires
The Debrief: How Short-Term Vacation Rentals Impact Hawaii’s Housing Market
Maui Housing Advocates Back Bill To Phase Out Short-Term Vacation Rentals
Short-Term Vacation Rentals Driving Up Home Prices, Rents
Housing Shortage For Maui Fire Survivors Puts Focus On Short-Term Rentals
Naka Nathaniel: Green’s Plan Could Move The Needle For Maui Housing
Airbnb Rentals Could Be Harder To Come By In Hawaii. Here’s Why And When That Might Happen
Why Tourism In Hawaii Is Causing Natives To Lose Their Homes
Governor Signs Measure Giving Counties Authority To Convert Vacation Rentals Into Housing
‘This Is Significant’ Vacation Rental Bill Signed Into Law By Governor Green
Maui Looks To Cut Back On Airbnbs, Vacation Rentals As Early As Next Summer
Honolulu Officials Weigh Regulations For Short-Term Rental Market With New State Law
Hawai’i Will Have Fewer Vacation Rentals, And That Is A Good Thing
Counties Differ In Approach To Regulating Vacation Rentals
Maui Council Budgets $300,000 To Study Impacts Of Eliminating 7,000 Vacation Rentals
