Maui Bill 9 Advances — What You Need to Know (And What’s Next)

On July 24, 2025, Maui’s Housing & Land Use Committee voted 6–3 to advance Bill 9, a pivotal proposal to phase out short-term vacation rentals (STRs) in apartment-zoned complexes, including many on the Minatoya List. This decision reshapes Maui real estate, impacting Maui vacation rentals and Maui homes for sale in areas like Kihei, Kaanapali, and Lahaina.

Bill 9: What It Means

Bill 9 targets approximately 6,100–7,000+ STR units, roughly 13% of Maui’s housing stock, aiming to convert them to long-term housing by July 1, 2028, for West Maui, and July 1, 2030, for the rest of Maui. Voting in favor were Council Chair Alice Lee (with reservations), Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins, Gabe Johnson, Tamara Paltin, Shane Sinenci, and Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, while Committee Chair Tasha Kama, Tom Cook, and Yuki Lei Sugimura opposed. The bill, introduced by Mayor Richard Bissen in May 2024, addresses Maui’s housing crisis, exacerbated by the 2023 wildfires, but lacks a clear rezoning process or exemptions for resort zones like Wailea or Kapalua.

Economic and Market Impacts

A University of Hawaiʻi (UHERO) study projects Bill 9 could return 6,100+ units to long-term housing but at a cost: a 15% drop in visitor spending ($900 million annually), a 4% GDP decline, and 1,900–3,800 job losses. Current market trends show high inventory in affected complexes, with offers 10%+ below asking and only aggressively priced listings selling. Buyer caution prevails, but softened prices create opportunities for savvy investors in beachfront condos or long-term rentals.

What’s Next for Investors?

The bill awaits full Maui County Council approval, with no scheduled vote yet, and legal challenges are likely, as owners’ associations prepare to contest the phase-out, citing vested rights. Properties in hotel-zoned areas like Wailea remain unaffected, offering stability for Maui vacation rentals. Buyers can leverage the current buyer’s market, while sellers must price strategically to move properties. Maui property management can help navigate zoning uncertainties, ensuring rental viability or conversion to long-term use.

Act Now in Maui’s Evolving Market

Bill 9’s uncertainty offers a rare chance to invest in Maui real estate opportunities at competitive prices. Whether you’re eyeing a condo in Kihei or a home in Kula, expert guidance is key. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back, seize the moment! Please contact the Maui Property Team at 808-217-8832 to explore your options with Maui Property.