Ask the Mayor: Are There No More Short-Term Vacation Rental Licenses?

File photo.

The mayor answers questions from the public in this series.

By Mayor Alan Arakawa

Q: I heard there was a headline in the Maui News that said no more short-term [vacation rental home] licenses are being given for homes on Maui. Is this true? If so when did it become law?

A: No, that is not true, although it might be in the future if the County Council follows the Maui Planning Commission’s recommendation to call for a moratorium on all new short-term vacation rental permits. There is currently a shortage of affordable rental homes for residents, which is why the panel wants to hold off on more short-term accommodations for visitors.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.