Here’s how vacation rental companies like Airbnb actually affect Hawaiʻi locals
While we do see some economic benefit from spending by tourists who rent these homes, the cost to our economy and residents is often greater.
Caldwell calls for legalization and regulation of transient accommodations
Catherine Cruz talks with Hawaiʻi Appleseed's Madison DeLuca about the growing concern over the loss of affordable housing inventory to vacation rentals.
Mayor’s vacation rental plan gets cool reception
The proposal offers no increased enforcement and is focused instead on collecting more tax revenue by increasing the number of vacation rentals.
Proliferation of vacation rentals burdens renters, communities
We need to invigorate efforts to enforce our laws. We should simplify enforcement by creating a presumption that owners who advertise units without a permit are, in fact, operating illegally.
Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center disputes DBEDT tax reform analysis
The nonprofit says a report by the state agency, which analyzed the impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, left out “crucial details of federal tax law.”
People in Hawaiʻi are fed up with vacation rentals
Hawaiʻi residents are blaming popular vacation rental sites like Airbnb for the state's housing shortage and for disrupting their neighborhoods.
Nonprofit to state on tax savings for low-income families: Check your math
The state has acknowledged it probably overestimated the tax benefits to low-income families, and has taken down a report that included the calculations.
Agreement on affordable housing
Oʻahu developers will no longer be able to buy their way out of providing affordable housing, because of a bill passed by the Honolulu City Council.
New tax benefits likely overstated for Hawaiʻi’s poorest
A report from Hawaiʻi Appleseed's new Budget & Policy Center says low-income families in Hawaii are largely left behind by the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act.
How short-term rentals impact home inventory
The proliferation of short-term rentals in Hawaii is impacting both the traditional rental market and the availability of affordable housing units.
New Honolulu housing bill seeks the middle ground
The City Council passed a measure Wednesday that includes concessions to both housing advocates and developers.
Affordable-housing bill poised for final Council vote today
Developers would no longer be able to pay “in-lieu” fees under a new affordable-housing policy that’s scheduled for a final Honolulu City Council vote today.
Honolulu affordable housing bill advances without "in lieu of construction fee"
The latest proposal to increase affordable housing on Oʻahu advanced today at the Honolulu City Council.
Waikiki condo seeks to ban short-term rentals
A battle is brewing at Waikiki Lanais over whether the condo board can ban short-term vacation rentals; the practice has been going on there for decades.
Report claims Hawaiʻi vacation rental units have increased 35 percent in past two years
Hawaiʻi’s inventory of vacation rental units increased 35 percent to 23,000 from 2015 to 2017, according to a report by the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice.
New tax benefits likely overstated for Hawaiʻi’s poorest
The Appleseed affiliate’s analysis concluded that the actual average savings for taxpayers in the same income range would be a “token” amount.
Law allowing more B&B permits and stiffer regulations on the way
One out of every 24 housing units in Hawaiʻi is now being used as a vacation rental, and at least 52 percent of vacation rentals are owned by nonresidents.
Report: Number of Hawaiʻi vacation rental homes is rising
About one in 24 homes in Hawaiʻi is a vacation rental, which is contributing to the state’s shortage of affordable housing, according to Hawaiʻi Appleseed.
State-facilitated retirement savings plan bill moves through Hawaiʻi legislature
Hawaiʻi would save $32.7 million on public assistance programs between 2018 and 2032 if lower-income retirees save enough to increase their retirement income by $1,000 more per year.
Report: one in 24 homes in Hawaiʻi is now a vacation rental
The number of short-term vacation rental units in Hawaiʻi rose 35 percent over the last two years—from 17,000 units in 2015 to 23,000 in 2017.