Trending
I've been asked my thoughts on the proposed STR ban by a few folks… Of course it's always in the back of my mind as a rental property manager, but at this point no one really knows anything until the Council makes its final decision… Well after realizing ( duh) there is an upcoming election Nov 5th it's clear we won't know anything until after the new (current) members have been selected. That, in my opinion, is kinda a good thing. This vacation ban is motivated by a passionate few who have finally achieved the support of the politicians as that is where any changes will come from. Policy and political changes. That said, this gives people time to just " simmer down" and focus on what's best for EVERYONE, especially the future of Maui and its economic prospects in particular. While it's always better to have a diversified economy the fact is the island does not really have many options in that area. I am ALL FOR respecting Hawaiians and their culture, putting a " cap" on tourism and applying all the exorbitant taxes we as well as the tourists pay toward sustainability and other proactive issues for the island including affordable housing for the residents, updates to infrastructure, dealing with the effects of climate change etc. It's unfathomable to imagine the island can continue in any fashion without this financial input.
All of the current Council members are up for reelection and most are running unopposed. BUT I think once the dust settles, and perhaps options to a complete ban have been floated and digested we might see compromises that will be fair to all...
Lonelle J Newman
Lahaina