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Implementing Mayor Richard Bissen's proposed short-term rental legislation could quickly wreak havoc on the Maui economy for years.
There will be unrecoverable economic loss for everyone. Families will lose their jobs and have no choice but to leave Maui for better and affordable opportunities.
What workforce family can afford or want short-term rental home with one parking stall, huge mortgage payment for such a small home, and HOA fees of $600-$1,200? No one I know. So what will you have accomplished? You will have injected economic hardship into the government's and Maui families' finances. Why would you want to do this?
I am deeply concerned about the potential for county council to disrupt natural market processes. The market will usually figure it out, but the government cannot pick winners and losers. That is not their skill set.
The government should look for ways to eliminate the bureaucracy so we can build more affordable housing for Maui. Stop making short-term rentals the problem. Remember, short-term rentals put big bucks into the Maui government's checkbook. How do you intend to replace that income?
To understand the potential dire consequences of the proposed legislation, I urge you to consider conducting an economic impact report. This report could shed light on the costly and protracted legal battles it may trigger, ensuring we make an informed decision that benefits all.
I hope common sense prevails and that pay-to-play is not part of the Maui City Council decision-making process.
Phil Winter
Kihei