×

Incentives suggested for rent control bill

It is kind of funny. I’ve lived here on Maui since 1992 and I seem to remember reading in this paper that there was a lack of affordable housing here then, and just Feb. 11 you printed a story about Kaniela Ing having trouble passing a rent control bill to address the lack of affordable rentals.

Deja vu, I’ve come to the conclusion the powers that be don’t want them. In the story, several people shot his bill down for many reasons. But guess what? None of them offered a solution! One said there was no incentive for builders or landlords to offer low-rent apartments.

Here is an incentive for you. If you don’t provide them, we are going to tax you more and no new construction until they are built first, no more deferments. This includes luxury private homes, on all islands. And to answer the statement that some homeowners have mortgages to pay for, well guess what — if you can’t carry the loan yourself, maybe you should lose the property.

James Hoover

Wailuku

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today