Honolulu empty homes tax proposal advances
At 3 percent, annual revenue could be about $180 million, according to a recent estimate from Hawaiʻi Appleseed.
Report backs empty-homes tax to address housing crisis on Oʻahu
To address investment-driven purchases and support affordable housing for working families, Appleseed recommended a 3–5 percent tax, which could generate annual revenue ranging from $183 million to $305 million.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center stresses importance of city’s rent relief program
After just four hours, the city's new rent relief program was suspended because so many people applied. The $114 million in federal money is for back and future rent and utilities.
No rest for the homeless: Bill would ban sitting almost anywhere on Oʻahu
City and state officials say housing is the answer to homelessness. But criminalization can be more politically expedient.
One year later: The effects of Hawaiʻi’s illegal short-term rental ban
Illegal vacation rentals have worsened Hawaiʻi’s affordable housing shortage while contributing to an overrun of high-impact, low-spending visitors.
ACLU calls for homeless sweeps to stop while MPD clears out Kahului camp
More than 70 officials, organizations and individuals released a statement calling for a halt to “sweeps” of the houseless community during the pandemic.
Officials, individuals, organizations calling on city & HPD to stop homeless ‘sweeps’ amid the pandemic
More than 70 officials, organizations and individuals are calling for the Honolulu Police Department and the City & County of Honolulu to stop "sweeps" of the homeless community during the pandemic.
Hawaiʻi legislature prepares to conclude, transparency advocates cry foul
Hawaiʻi’s 2020 legislative session was hallmarked by social distancing measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 that may also have disenfranchised the public.
Hawaiʻi weighs measures to curb Airbnb
Sky-high housing prices and limited land make the negative impact of short-term rentals in Hawaiʻi especially acute. Regulatory measures may provide some relief.
Short-term rental regulation advances at Honolulu Hale
On Wednesday, the Honolulu City Council held a public hearing on the latest proposals to rein in Oʻahu’s vacation accommodations, like those rented on Airbnb.
Short-term vacation rentals on Oʻahu could soon be regulated
A 2018 report from Hawaiʻi Appleseed stated more than 80 percent of short term vacation rentals in Hawaiʻi are not owner-occupied.
A grand bargain on vacation rentals
The Honolulu City Council will begin a historic discussion to resolve the frictions fueled by the spectacular expansion of illegal short-term rentals on Oʻahu.
Who really benefits from illegal vacation rentals?
Will we prioritize investors’ ability to wring profits out of their second (or third, or fourth, or fifth) homes, or will we preserve our neighborhoods for the benefit of those who actually live in them? The choice is ours.
City council debates fate of Oʻahu's short term rentals
The council planning committee heard seven bills that would drastically change the fees, fines and enforcement on thousands of Oʻahu short-term rentals.
Addicted to Airbnb: Hawaiʻi’s tourism economy depends on illegal vacation rentals
While calls for a crackdown on short-term rentals grow louder, their rapid expansion accounts for a big chunk of the recent growth in the state’s largest industry.
Is housing sacrificed to attract more tourists?
One gets little sense that there is a plan behind Hawaiʻi’s tourism growth beyond sustaining it.
Council must be forceful to reduce illegal short-term rentals
The Honolulu City Council must push forward for the sake of establishing a balance between collecting taxes owed and deterring further illegal vacation rentals.
Policing Hawaiʻi’s illegal vacation rentals
Honolulu’s weak law makes it hard to crack down on illegal vacation rentals, but a new law is in the works.
Appleseed Center urges tough vacation rental rules
Hawaiʻi Appleseed released a report Monday as the city council prepares again to debate a bill addressing the issue after years of public frustration.
New Sky Ala Moana project moves ahead with affordable and market-priced units
Hawaiʻi needs 65,000 more units of housing by 2025 to meet demand, the bulk of which must be for households making $75,000 or less.