If the timeline holds, shortly after appointing someone to fill an open seat, Maui County Council is expected to vote on a controversial proposal that would phase transient vacation rentals out of Maui’s apartment districts.

Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee announced Monday that there will be a special hearing starting at 9 a.m. Dec. 1 for Bill 9.

Bill 9 is a proposal from Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen that’s intended to increase the long-term housing stock by reversing a list of condos grandfathered in for short-term rentals despite being apartment-zoned.

Additionally, Maui County Council members plan to meet Thursday to discuss appointing someone to fill an open seat following the Oct. 26 death of councilmember Tasha Kama.

Kama will be honored during a public ceremony at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.

According to Lee, a final vote to fill the seat for the remainder of Kama’s term is expected by the Nov. 25 deadline. If council members are unable to make an appointment by then, the responsibility falls to the mayor.

Three candidates have been nominated to fill the opening including Virgilio “Leo” R. Agcolicol, Kelson Kauanoe Batangan and Carol Lee Kamekona.

Lee added that if Bill 9 passes on Dec. 1, she intends to schedule a second reading as soon as possible.

Written testimony can be sent via email to County.Clerk@mauicounty.us with “Bill 9” in the subject line.

For more information, call the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7664.

Correction: This report has been updated to correctly state the date of the ceremony for council member Tasha Kama.