For Immediate Release:
Press Release by:
Alice L. Lee, Chair
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Council approves on first reading Bill 9; second reading scheduled for Dec. 15
WAILUKU, Hawaiʻi (Dec. 1, 2025)—The Maui County Council approved today on first reading an amended version of Bill 9, CD1 (2025) to phase out transient vacation rental uses in the apartment zoning districts by a 5-3 vote, Chair Alice L. Lee announced.
The bill was proposed by the county executive branch last year and recommended for approval in an amended form by the council’s Housing and Land Use Committee earlier this year. As passed today with further amendments by the council, the bill would prohibit TVRs in the A-1 and A-2 districts starting in 2029 in West Maui and 2031 elsewhere in the county.
“The council thanks the many Maui County residents who have taken time out of their busy lives to share their views on this important issue,” said Lee, who holds the seat for the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū residency area. “While this process has caused some frustration in our community, I encourage everyone to continue engaging with the legislative process while maintaining respect for one another.”
Bill 9 requires one more reading by the council before the mayor can consider signing it into law. Second reading for Bill 9, CD1, FD1 (2025) is scheduled for Dec. 15.
Lee also noted that a proposal to create H-3 and H-4 hotel zoning districts, as recommended by the Bill 9 Temporary Investigative Group, is expected to be on the council’s Dec. 19 agenda.
“Discussion in committee showed broad consensus for the TIG’s recommendation to move certain properties from A-1 or A-2 apartment zoning to new zoning districts that will allow them to continue to operate transient vacation rentals,” she said. “I’m hoping if we put our minds and our energy together the future holds a more positive path for all of us.”
The motion to approve the bill today was made by Councilmember Nohelani U‘u-Hodgins, vice-chair of the committee and chair of the TIG. She presented Committee Report 25-82 today in the absence of the late Councilmember Tasha Kama, who chaired the committee and presided over its deliberations on Bill 9 before her passing Oct. 26.
The other affirmative votes for the bill today were cast by Councilmembers Gabe Johnson, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, Tamara Paltin and Shane Sinenci. Lee, Council Vice-Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura and Councilmember Tom Cook voted no.
For more information, call the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7664
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