If you’re one of our dedicated vacation homeowners in Maui, you might have heard the discussions happening around Bill 9 – a proposal that seeks to change how vacation rentals in Maui County are operated. As a property owner, this likely has created a lot of questions for you. At My Perfect Stays, we want you to be informed about what Bill 9 Maui means for you, and why you can still move forward with confidence. We’ll share what we know in hopes of reassuring you of our ongoing support.
Why Bill 9 Was Introduced
After the devastating fires in Lahaina in 2023, thousands of Maui residents lost their homes, and a housing crisis ensued. With so many members of the community now displaced, the mayor decided to address the situation with Bill 9.
The idea behind the bill is that if some vacation rentals located in apartment-zoned areas were phased out, this would make room for more long-term housing possibilities for the local citizens of Maui who had lost their homes.
What Bill 9 Actually Says
Right now, a lot of vacation rentals located in apartment-zoned areas are legal because they were already in operation prior to these new rules being put into place. These properties are included on what’s known as the Minatoya List.
In its present form, Bill 9 seeks to phase out these rentals in apartment-zoned areas over time, not immediately. Owners would be able to continue to rent their property for a set number of years, but eventually they’d have to stop. The suggested deadlines are 2028 for rentals in West Maui, and 2030 for rentals in South Maui.
Not every type of vacation rental is affected by Bill 9. Rentals outside of apartment zones, bed and breakfasts, short-term rental homes and timeshares would not be affected.
What This Means for You as an Owner
Nothing is changing right this minute. You can still rent your property, collect income, and welcome guests just as you always have. Even if Bill 9 does pass, the changes would happen slowly over several years. This means you have time to plan and prepare including potential opportunities to rezone.
At My Perfect Stays, we understand that your vacation home is an investment and often, a special part of your story. That’s why we’re seeking to keep you informed, reassured, and supported every step of the way.
How My Perfect Stays Is Helping Owners
From the very beginning, we’ve been actively involved in the discussions about Bill 9. Behind the scenes we’ve been speaking up for our owners, collaborating with others, keeping our owners informed as we promote responsible tourism.
Our vacation homeowners’ voices are being heard through attendance at county meetings, as testimonies and viewpoints are shared to those in authority.
We’re working together with condo associations, the Maui Vacation Rental Association and other stakeholders to advocate for fair solutions. The goal is to emphasize that when vacation rentals are managed property, they do much good for the island and its residents.
We aren’t involved in any lawsuits, but we are focused on keeping the conversation fair, respectful, and balanced.
Where Bill 9 Stands Now
On July 24, Bill 9 moved out of the Housing and Land Use Committee with a 6–3 vote. Next, it will need to be heard twice by the full County Council, receive a majority vote to pass, and then be signed by the Mayor.
In addition, the Maui County Council’s Housing and Land Use Committee formed a Temporary Investigative Group (TIG) to evaluate various aspects of Bill 9. They are meeting privately to identify apartment district properties that may still allow vacation rentals, summarize fiscal and social impacts of the phase out, approve change in zoning or conditional permit plan for property owners, and propose improvements to the Maui County Code for more efficient application processes. TIG is currently meeting with County officials, industry stakeholders, land use planners, residents and economic advisors. They are set to provide findings and recommendations by end of the year.
As of right now, Bill 9 hasn’t been added to the County Council’s agenda – but is expected to be heard sometime late October or November. These meetings will likely take several days, as hundreds of people are expected to testify. However, this means that no immediate changes are coming, and there is still time for public input, discussions and amendments to be made.
Why You Can Stay Confident
We know this is a stressful time. Keeping the following points in mind can help you to remain calm and confident.
Know that your property is secure and you won’t be losing income today. Vacation rentals are still in operation, and guests are still booking. Change takes time. Even if the bill passes, you’ll have time to plan a course of action.
We’re in this together! We, at My Perfect Stays, maintain an active interest in this issue and will work hard to protect your interests and keep you informed. We’re committed to promoting solutions that can respect the needs of Maui residents and the tourism industry that makes the island flourish.
Moving Forward Together
As conversations around Bill 9 continue to happen, My Perfect Stays is dedicated to being your trusted partner through it all. Be assured of our proactive support as we supply you with insight as we receive it.
In the meantime, continue to welcome guests to your beautiful Maui vacation rental. Continue to enjoy the benefits of ownership while we handle the details. Together, we’ll navigate Bill 9 Maui and whatever comes next in hopes that your vacation home remains a valuable part of Maui’s future.
