Honolulu's severe housing crisis is being exacerbated by a growing trend of vacant homes purchased as investments by non-residents. To reverse this trend, Hawaiʻi Appleseed recommends a flat tax of 3–5 percent on empty homes.

After three decades of proliferation of illegal short-term rentals on Oʻahu, county administrators finally have—in Bill 89—the comprehensive tool kit needed to balance the needs of the tourism industry with the needs of the community.