Maui hotels are not complaining about TVRs

Maureen Jorgensen’s June 20 letter stated that “TVRs are under attack in Kihei” and that a county official had informed her that the attack “was largely due to the hotels complaining about the competition.” Ms. Jorgensen was incorrectly informed about hotel complaints.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association represents the vast majority of properties in Maui County. Our organization feels that Maui County’s strength as a top tourism destination depends upon our ability to provide a diverse mix of choices for our various visitor markets. Transient vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts, in addition to hotels and resort condominiums, time shares, add diversity to our island’s mix of visitor accommodations appealing to a wide range of visitor types from business travelers to family vacationers and repeat guests.

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association agrees there is a place for diversified accommodations in Maui County. That’s what makes Maui so special! However, the association believes that all businesses operating in the “transient rental business” should also be regulated, assessed and taxed equitably with hotels, resort condominiums and time shares. This is a very fair and balanced position which we believe is the only way to make the visitor accommodation market equitable.

We can all agree that tourism is our major economic engine and with that comes the diversity of accommodations available that will only continue to grow.

We are truly sorry about the closure of Maureen Jorgensen’s TVR in Maui Meadows, but please note, it was not the result of complaints from hotels.

Carol Reimann

Executive Director

Maui Hotel & Lodging Association