Maui County Council considers expanding vacation rental zoning

The Maui County Council is considering legislation that could allow hundreds of condominium units to continue operating as vacation rentals. Two resolutions introduced by council members Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins and Tom Cook aim to move up to 26 properties into new hotel zoning districts (H-3 and H-4).

Proponents argue that these specific properties in West Maui and Kīhei-Mākena are better suited for short-term use because they are located within areas exposed to sea level rise. The justification suggests that since these units may be impacted by rising seas by the year 2100, they may be less ideal for long-term residential housing.

This move comes as the county implements a plan to phase out several thousand vacation rentals over the next five years to create more housing for local residents. The proposed resolutions would provide an exception to the planned phase-out for properties identified as being at risk from environmental changes.