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The recent story about the study citing the extent of lost tax revenue should the much-needed reigning in of vacation rentals be enacted, did not present the whole picture.
It did not, for example, ask visitors if they wouldn't come if they had to stay in hotels.
It didn't take into consideration what the additional places for residents to live, instead of experiencing houselessness, would have on the tax revenue situation.
It didn't investigate how many vacation rentals are owned by Maui residents as opposed to off-island corporate owners.
Our residents are the victims here.
Vacation rentals are one of the major factors leading to the lack of affordable housing here.
We need to think of our people first. Profiteering from necessities, such as housing, is immoral and I applaud our leadership for recognizing this and doing something about it.
Now is time for rent control.
Paul Janes-Brown
Pukalani