Group occupying Maui beach fronting luxury resorts packs up after vacation rental win
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - For 175 days, grassroots community advocacy group Lahaina Strong has occupied famous Kaanapali Beach, which is surrounded by luxurious resorts. But on Thursday, the group announced they will officially be packing up.
They have been living in tents here for almost six months, serving as a visual reminder to everyone that local leaders need to prioritize housing for local people over investors.
Action announced Thursday convinced them their message had been heard: Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said he plans to phase out vacation rentals operating in the apartment district as part of a measure headed to the county council.
Maui Wildfires Disaster
The plan would cover a total of 7,000 short-term units, including 2,200 in West Maui.
Bissen says the county does expect to get sued over this and receive a lot backlash from vacation rental owners. But he and others say the benefits far outweigh the repercussions.
“Consistently, the argument was about protecting their investment properties,” said Maui County Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, referring to testimony.
“Their second, third, fourth, fifth home — when our residents have lost their only home.”
Added Paele Kiakona, of Lahaina Strong: “This is our home. And I know all these people behind me and everybody across Hawaii are willing to combat anything that comes our way because we’ve been taken advantage of for way too long.”
The intent of the measure headed to the council is to address the long-term housing inventory crisis on Maui, which was exacerbated by the August wildfires. If passed, the vacation rentals identified would phase out in West Maui by July 1 of next year.
All other units countywide would be transitioned by Jan. 1, 2026.
This story will be updated.
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