Governor Josh Green of Hawaii has signed into law SB 2919, granting local governments the authority to oversee short-term rentals. This legislation aims to address the issue of short-term rentals dominating local neighborhoods and restore the availability of affordable housing for essential workers. Counties can now enact regulations and taxation measures on short-term rentals and designate them as non-residential entities for zoning purposes.
A tenant named Melissa Gudgeon, along with six other tenants, have won their case at a provincial tribunal against their landlord, Beni Colalillo. The tenants were facing renoviction from their apartment building at 2322 King St. E. in Hamilton, where they alleged that Colalillo was flipping empty units for short-term rentals. The Landlord and Tenant Board adjudicator dismissed the renoviction request, stating that the landlord’s building permit only included minor repairs and that no contractors were called as witnesses to support the claims of extensive renovations. Gudgeon’s unit still has outstanding issues, including a leaky window and black mold, while she is paying higher rent due to recent above-guideline increases to cover common area upgrades. The decision is significant as it reinforces the requirement for landlords to have a building permit detailing major repairs and renovations when evicting tenants.
Hawaii lawmakers are considering legislation that could give counties authority to phase out short-term rentals, hoping to address the state’s worsening housing crisis. The bills, HB1838 and SB2919, would provide counties with the legal framework to limit such rentals in various ways, potentially freeing up more homes for long-term rentals and easing the financial burden on local residents.
Two bills are advancing in the Hawaii legislature that would give counties the authority to regulate and potentially phase out short-term rentals. Proponents argue that this would alleviate the state’s severe housing crisis, where local residents face skyrocketing costs and homelessness. However, opponents, including homeowners who rent out units and rental platforms, express concerns about financial losses. The bills come amid growing urgency following the Maui wildfires, which displaced thousands of families. If passed, the final decision on phasing out short-term rentals would be up to county officials within a reasonable timeframe.
In an effort to alleviate the severe housing crisis in Hawaii, where exorbitant housing costs and homelessness are rampant, lawmakers are exploring the possibility of phasing out short-term rentals. Two bills, HB1838 and SB2919, have gained traction in the state legislature and could provide counties with the authority to implement regulations limiting these rentals. Proponents believe this could free up more housing for locals and address the issue of displacement caused by the influx of vacation rentals. However, the issue is multifaceted, as opponents, including homeowners who rely on rental income and rental platforms, have expressed financial concerns and raised constitutional questions.
Hawaii lawmakers are considering phasing out short-term rentals to address the state’s severe housing crisis. Two bills currently in the legislature would grant counties authority to limit short-term rentals in residential areas, freeing up more homes for long-term residents. Proponents hope the measures will ease the housing shortage and rising homelessness rates, while opponents express concerns about potential financial losses and legal challenges.
The Plano City Council has unanimously voted to prohibit new short-term rentals from opening in single-family neighborhoods. Existing vacation homes will be grandfathered into the new ordinance, which comes after a two-year study by a special task force. The decision, hailed as a victory by opponents of short-term rentals, stems from concerns about crime and nuisance behavior linked to such properties.
