The city had suspended the law to facilitate emergency housing for Maui wildfire survivors but says that’s no longer necessary.

The City and County of Honolulu on Friday lifted its temporary suspension of a law that mandates a 30–day minimum rental period on vacation rentals. 

The suspension was put in place earlier this month to respond to the anticipated need for emergency housing as a result of the wildfires on Maui, but Oahu now has sufficient hotel rooms available for those in search of housing, according to a press release. 

“While we remain ready to do anything and everything we can to support our suffering neighbors on Maui, in light of ample hotel space on Oahu, we are resuming in full force our efforts to terminate illegal short-term vacation rentals,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

The Hawaii Fire Relief Housing Program was established to help connect Maui residents impacted by the wildfires with property owners able to provide housing accommodations.    

“The people of Maui, devastated by this tragedy, still need our support,” said Blangiardi. “I encourage those of you who can help to consider joining the state’s program by converting short-term vacation rentals into long-term housing options for our Maui neighbors in need.”

Help power our public service journalism

As a local newsroom, Civil Beat has a unique public service role in times of crisis.

That’s why we’re committed to a paywall-free website and subscription-free content, so we can get vital information out to everyone, from all communities.

We are deploying a significant amount of our resources to covering the Maui fires, and your support ensures that we can pivot when these types of emergencies arise.

Make a gift to Civil Beat today and help power our nonprofit newsroom.

About the Author