Vacation Rental Fine Hikes to Take Effect

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Beginning Dec. 27, illegal short-term vacation rentals will be fined $20,000, plus another $10,000 each day the operation continues.

The county planning department announced Thursday that the amended rules to Section 13-10 of the County Charter have been filed with the Office of the County Clerk, and will take effect in ten business days.

The prior version of the charter limited penalties to $1,000 initial and $1,000 per day.

“Enforcement of these illegal operations is an ongoing challenge in Maui County, and worldwide,” Mayor Michale Victorino said in a press release.

“These higher fines should be an effective deterrent and will be one more tool in our toolbox as we continue our enforcement efforts.”

In addition, the Maui County Code was updated on Oct. 7 by Ordinance No. 5001 to be consistent with the Charter Amendment.

The amended Rules for Administrative Procedures and Civil Fines for Violations of Chapter 16.13 and Title 19 of the Maui County Code are the last step in implementing the new fines.

The new rules are available here.