Maui County Advances Vacation Rental Phase Out

What Bill 9 Means for Property Owners and the Community

On Thursday, the Housing and Land Use (HLU) Committee of the Maui County Council voted 6–3 to advance Bill 9 with amendments, moving it one step closer to a full Council decision. As currently written, the bill would phase out approximately 6,000 legally permitted short-term rentals (STRs) in apartment-zoned districts by December 31, 2030.

A date for the full Council vote has not yet been announced, but we will continue to share updates and important action items as soon as they become available.

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Key Amendment: Updated Phase-Out Dates

The adopted amendments include significant changes to the bill’s timeline and enforcement language. Most notably, the revised phase-out structure now reads:

• West Maui: STR use must cease by January 1, 2029
• All Other Districts: STR use must cease by January 1, 2031

The committee also began discussions around possible carve-outs or exemptions for specific ownership types or buildings, but no final decisions have been made on those provisions.

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Our Position: The Smith Team Stands with RAM in Opposing Bill 9

As active members of the Realtors Association of Maui (RAM), The Smith Team opposes Bill 9 in its current form.

While we understand and share the urgent need to address Maui’s housing crisis, we believe that this bill poses serious risks to property rights, small businesses, and the island’s economic stability — without guaranteeing the creation of housing that meets the real needs of local families.

Eliminating thousands of legally permitted STRs without a comprehensive transition plan will have long-term consequences — not just for property owners, but for local jobs, tax revenue, and our visitor industry as a whole.

Background: What Is Bill 9?

Originally introduced by Mayor Richard Bissen in May 2024, Bill 9 seeks to phase out short-term vacation rentals operating in apartment-zoned districts, many of which are on the so-called “Minatoya List” — units built before 1989 that have historically been permitted to operate as STRs.

The bill targets more than 7,000 units across Maui, with a heavy concentration in West and South Maui, where tourism demand is highest and the housing shortage is most severe — especially following the devastating August 2023 wildfires.

Council Committee Vote Recap

The HLU Committee voted 6–3 to advance the bill with amendments:

Voted in Favor (Aye):

• Alice Lee (with reservations)
• Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins
• Keani Rawlins-Fernandez
• Tamara Paltin
• Shane Sinenci
• Gabe Johnson

Voted Against (No):

• Tasha Kama (Committee Chair)
• Tom Cook
• Yuki Lei Sugimura

Many members voiced concerns — even among those who voted “yes” — about the feasibility of implementation, lack of actionable rezoning options, legal uncertainty, and the absence of concrete solutions for displaced STR owners.

RAM’s Statement & Ours

RAM issued the following position, which we fully support:

“RAM continues to oppose Bill 9. We believe the proposed phase-out threatens property rights, small businesses, and economic stability without creating the kind of housing that meets the needs of local families.”

At The Smith Team, we strongly believe in community-led, practical solutions to housing — including zoning reform, infrastructure investment, streamlined permitting, and public-private partnerships to build truly affordable long-term housing.

We also believe it is essential to protect the rights of homeowners and property investors who have followed the law and contributed to Maui’s economy responsibly.

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What’s Next?

• The full County Council will vote on Bill 9 in the coming weeks (date TBD).
• Further amendments, clarifications, and possible exemptions may still be considered.
• Legal challenges are likely, regardless of the outcome.

We encourage you to stay informed and continue engaging with this process — whether you’re a property owner, resident, or industry professional.

Mahalo for Staying Engaged

We know how emotional and personal this issue is for so many in our community. As your trusted real estate team, we’re committed to advocating for fair, balanced solutions that preserve Maui’s economy and prioritize the housing needs of our local families.

We will continue to keep you informed as Bill 9 advances and will share next steps as they become available.

If you have questions about how this may impact your property, or need help planning ahead, please reach out to us directly — we’re here to help.

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𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓶𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓣𝓮𝓪𝓶
+(808) 298-6810
[email protected]
mauisales.com

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