Opponents of bill to ban short-term rentals in residential areas gather at Honolulu Hale

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A bill that would ban short-term vacation rentals in certain areas of Oahu is raising concerns among property owners and residents.

Ahead of Wednesday’s city council meeting, over a dozen opponents of the measure gathered outside of Honolulu Hale asking local leaders to vote against it. They said if the bill is passed, it will hurt the local economy, families and businesses.

Bill 41 would only allow short-term vacation accommodations in or next to resort zoned areas, such as Waikiki and Turtle Bay, while keeping them out of other residential neighborhoods through most of Oahu.

Among the protesters Tuesday included property owners and residents who rely on short-term rentals.

“We aren’t in a resort area and we’re being targeted as illegals or, you know, burdened with a lot of taxes to pay for enforcement of the legal. That’s not fair on the legal properties — to short term rentals,” said Helena Von Sydow, a property owner.

The bill would also require new residential renters to pay for at least 90 days.

“Homes that are being available to the community wouldn’t be available because nobody will be able to afford them 90 days at a time. They’re barely affording the 30 days,” said Tiana Wilbur, a Makaha resident.

Meanwhile, the tourism industry are strong supporters of the bill.

Just a few weeks ago, the Hawaii Tourism Authority said illegal vacation rentals negatively impact the community by taking potential residential properties off the market and causing congestion in neighborhoods.

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