The recent decision by Maui County Council to approve Bill 9 is, at best, a hollow victory for those who believe it will magically create affordable housing and a return to the old kupuna ways, and at worst, an attempt to restrict tourism, which I believe, is the core issue.

Having dedicated numerous hours to listening to testimonies and contributing my own, it is clear that Maui has devolved from a magical place into an island increasingly divided by conflicting beliefs and opinions regarding its future. The spirit of Aloha has unfortunately left the building.

Ultimately, this situation is irreversible. Whether by the influx of STRs or changes in inflated values of condos (which have already seen a decline in value, and are available for any local family), the reality remains the same.

My current expenses, including mortgage, maintenance fees, taxes, and insurance, amount to over $2,900 (if rented, I would need a few bucks more) per month for a one-bedroom unit.

Comparable units are available on platforms such as Zillow and Craigslist, many remaining on the market for over 30 days, indicating that the problem lies not in the availability of housing options, but in the lack of affordable and suitable choices, particularly for families.

Implementation of this bill would severely impact my small, family-run property management company, potentially leading to the unemployment of most, if not all, of my employees.

Therefore, I question whether the potential consequences are truly justifiable.

Lonelle Newman
Lahaina