Papakea Resort is seen on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Jeremy Stice, who manages more than 40 vacation rental properties, poses for a portrait at The Ridge Villas on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Maui Eldorado is seen on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Papakea Resort is seen on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen believes that under his proposal, those lower rents would keep locals on Maui because absentee landlords would be forced to either sell their units or convert them to long-term rentals. “It would take my ability to use my property. And I bought it for my use,” she said. “I love it there.”
The county collects $500 million in real property taxes annually and more than 40% comes from short-term rentals, which are taxed at a higher rate than owner-occupied residences, she said.