After months of public debate, the Maui County Council is preparing for a critical vote on Bill 9, scheduled for July 2. This proposed ordinance would phase out thousands of currently legal short-term vacation rentals (STRs) located in apartment-zoned areas throughout South and West Maui, including Kihei, Lahaina, Napili, and Wailea.

What’s at Stake

  • Local Homeowners & Families: Many Maui residents rely on income from legal STRs to pay their mortgage, property taxes, and other essential expenses. Phasing out these properties would force many to sell—often to out-of-state buyers—contributing to a shrinking local middle class and economic instability.
  • Maui’s Economy: The proposed phase-out could result in major job losses and reduced visitor spending. Short-term rentals support a broad ecosystem of cleaners, vendors, contractors, and hospitality professionals, many of whom are local residents.
  • Travel Uncertainty: Travelers planning stays in apartment-zoned STRs should be aware that many properties could lose rental eligibility if the bill is passed. Guests should check their reservations and cancellation policies closely.

Understanding the Minatoya List

Many of the STRs in question are currently legal under what’s known as the Minatoya List, which provides a list of apartment-zoned properties in Maui that have been historically permitted for short-term use.

For more background, visit our webpage:

👉 Minatoya List Overview – MauiProperty.com

And here is the direct link to the County of Maui’s official list:

👉 Minatoya List – County of Maui PDF

Timeline & Next Steps

  • The July 2 hearing will include public testimony, committee deliberation, and a vote to determine whether Bill 9 will move forward to the full Council.
  • If passed, the ordinance will establish a phase-out period before STRs must cease operations. There is also potential for legal challenges or future amendments.

What This Means for You

  • Property Owners: Now is the time to evaluate your holdings. If your STR is on the Minatoya List and zoned “Apartment,” you may be directly affected. Reach out for guidance on what’s next.
  • Investors: STR eligibility is a key factor in valuation. Be sure to verify zoning, permitting, and potential restrictions before proceeding with any purchase.
  • Travelers: Planning a trip? Confirm that your accommodations remain legal and have appropriate booking protections in place.

✅  Let’s Talk

If you own or are considering a property affected by this proposal, we can help you make sense of your options.

📞 Call us at 808 217 8832

We’re here to help you protect your investment, navigate this evolving landscape, and make confident decisions. Let’s connect.