Contrary to Gov. Josh Green’s statement that short-term rentals are the cause of the lack of housing for Maui’s fire survivors, short-term rentals are actually the solution.
Remember, every legal, short-term rental permitted since the 1970s has been approved by the government. Every single one.
The real problem? Lack of affordable housing on Maui even before the fire. Too much red tape to get a project going. Green has decided short-term housing created the problem. But the truth is in the mirror.
The government is now providing incentives for STRs to rent long-term to our displaced neighbors. Good. And contradicting the governor once again, one of the three agencies contracted by FEMA to help find STRs for long-term is no longer taking applications because of overwhelming response.
STRs have been punishingly property-taxed because they’re easy targets. And unlike hotels, STR owners don’t have lobbyists to defend themselves. Yet, legal STRs collect so very much tax for the state and counties. My one condo on Maui’s south side brings these entities $16K a year. The government makes more net income in some years than I do on my condo, including in 2023.
My condo was offered for free the week after the fire for temporary housing and it is now being set up for long-term housing. STR owners are not the villains you may think.
Kelli Lundgren
Kaanapali
Today's breaking news and more in your inbox
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3UoqWer6NjsLC5jqinoqaZpLtwuMStq56qo2LBsHnToZxmnZSewbC%2Bjmtna2xfZX5wv8eoqa1lpJq%2FrnnRnqWtmZyoeq%2B702anq6eSobKuecyam55ln6rBbsDOZpmeZw%3D%3D