Hawaii Enacts New Law to Phase Out Short-Term Rentals Amid Housing Crisis

The legislation aims to convert thousands of transient vacation rentals into long-term housing, addressing the severe shortage exacerbated by last year's wildfires in Maui.

• Hawaii Governor Josh Green signed a bill granting counties the authority to regulate and potentially phase out short-term rentals like Airbnbs.
• The move comes in response to a housing crisis worsened by the 2023 Maui wildfires, which displaced thousands and destroyed numerous homes.
• Maui plans to start phasing out about 7,000 grandfathered short-term rentals by next summer, converting them into long-term residential units.
• Local advocacy groups, particularly Lahaina Strong, have been instrumental in pushing for the legislation, reflecting widespread community support.
• Opposition from real estate agents, rental owners, and companies like Airbnb is anticipated, with potential legal challenges to the new regulations.

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