Aerial shot of beachfront houses surrounded by lush greenery in Kihei, Hawaii.

Key Takeaways and Actionable Insights for All Stakeholders. Find out more about Maui vacation rental conversion law Mayor Bissen.

As of December 18, 2025, the policy is law, and the hard work of transition begins. Here are the most actionable insights derived from the economic modeling and legislative reality:

  1. For Property Owners: Immediate strategic planning is paramount. Do not wait for the 2029/2031 deadlines. Assess your eligibility for the H-3/H-4 rezoning companion legislation now, as that process is expected to be highly competitive and contingent on future Council action. Understanding the implications of the UHERO report regarding property valuation decline (projected 20-40%) is key to your exit or transition strategy.. Find out more about Maui vacation rental conversion law Mayor Bissen guide.
  2. For Local Businesses: Prepare for a potential *slow* drawdown in visitor spending, not an immediate collapse. The $900 million annual reduction will be phased in over five years. Focus on securing a stable, local labor force by promoting your business as an ideal transition point for hospitality workers leaving the STR sector. Stabilizing your workforce is a direct hedge against workforce housing stability issues.
  3. For County Officials: The dual challenge of maximizing housing gain while mitigating revenue loss requires immediate focus on the companion legislation for H-3/H-4 zoning. Furthermore, rigorous, transparent monitoring is essential to prevent the outcome of mass vacancies, which would undermine the entire policy objective.. Find out more about Maui vacation rental conversion law Mayor Bissen insights.
  4. For Residents: The projected addition of over 6,000 units to the housing stock is equivalent to a decade of new construction, which should place downward pressure on long-term rents over the next 5-10 years. Advocate for the timely and equitable distribution of these new units to those most in need.. Find out more about Rezoning pathway for Maui short term rental owners insights information.

This policy is a bold attempt to safeguard the island’s community fabric against the very success of its visitor economy. It is a messy, economically fraught trade-off, but one that Maui County has officially deemed necessary for its long-term viability. What is your perspective on this monumental shift? Are you a property owner weighing your options, or a resident hopeful for relief? Share your thoughts in the comments below—this conversation is far from over.