Maui residents urge council to phase out short-term rentals amidst housing crisis

On June 9, 2025, the Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened to address pressing issues surrounding housing and short-term rentals (STRs) in the wake of the devastating Lahaina fires. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from residents, highlighting the urgent need for policy changes to prioritize local families and combat the ongoing housing crisis.

One of the most significant discussions centered on the impact of STRs on the local community. Testifiers expressed deep concern over the low percentage of STR owners willing to offer long-term leases to fire survivors, with only 6% of such owners in West Maui taking action to support those affected by the fires. This statistic underscores a growing sentiment that STRs are contributing to the displacement of local residents, as many families struggle to find affordable housing amidst rising costs driven by tourism.

A Lahaina native, who shared his personal journey from local upbringing to a successful career, emphasized the importance of community over individual gain. He urged the council to consider the long-term implications of their decisions, advocating for a phase-out of STRs to allow more locals to return home and rebuild their lives. His testimony resonated with many, as he called for a collective approach to housing that prioritizes the needs of residents over transient visitors.

Another resident, Anna Barbeau, a fire survivor, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the proliferation of STRs has encroached on residential areas and exacerbated the housing crisis. She urged the council to reject proposals that would legalize existing STRs, framing them as detrimental to the community's well-being.

Richard Prada, a long-time resident, raised concerns about the prevalence of illegal rentals and the changing zoning laws that have allowed for the transformation of residential properties into STRs. He questioned the motivations behind these changes and highlighted the loss of community as neighbors are replaced by transient visitors.

Support for Bill 9, which aims to phase out STRs, was a common theme among testifiers. Many argued that housing should be reserved for residents who contribute to the community, rather than for profit-driven investors. The testimonies painted a picture of a community at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of prioritizing tourism over the needs of its residents.

As the meeting concluded, the council was left to consider the weight of these testimonies and the broader implications of their decisions. The discussions highlighted a critical moment for Maui, where the future of its housing landscape and the preservation of its local culture hang in the balance. The community's call for action reflects a desire for sustainable solutions that honor the spirit of aloha and ensure that Maui remains a home for its residents.