Maui Realtors Association President opposes Bill 9 affecting wildfire recovery

The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss pressing issues related to housing and land use in the wake of recent challenges faced by the community, particularly following the devastating wildfires in Lahaina.

The meeting began with a presentation from the president of the Realtors Association of Maui, who provided insights from a recent survey of 614 participants, both on and off the island. The survey revealed that only 8% of respondents indicated a willingness to convert their short-term rentals into long-term housing options. The president emphasized the importance of transparency regarding property zoning and the implications of the Minotaurial list, which was codified in 2016, ensuring that realtors inform clients about the legal status of short-term rentals.

Following this, Pam Reeder, a Lahaina resident and realtor, shared her personal experience as a fire victim. She expressed strong opposition to Bill 9, arguing that converting vacation rentals into long-term housing would not adequately address the needs of displaced families. Reeder highlighted the impracticality of many vacation rentals for full-time living due to size, costs, and maintenance issues. She urged the committee to focus on real solutions such as expedited permitting and infrastructure investment rather than legislation that could complicate recovery efforts for families still reeling from the disaster.

The committee members engaged with Reeder, seeking clarification on her points and discussing the implications of the proposed bill. The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the community's urgent housing needs, emphasizing the importance of effective solutions that support recovery and rebuilding efforts in Lahaina.

Overall, the discussions underscored the complexities of housing in Maui County, particularly in the context of recent tragedies, and the need for thoughtful legislation that prioritizes the well-being of affected residents.