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Maui residents have been experiencing a massive housing shortage. Some might say, “Just build more houses.” But as HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports, it’s not that simple. Mayor Richard Bissen said water infrastructure is one of the main barriers.
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What worked? What didn’t? U.S. lawmakers heard feedback from officials and community members about the federal response to the Maui wildfires. Looking to the future was a key theme of the hearing. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports.
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Flags around the state were at half-staff last week to honor the 102 victims of the 2023 Maui fires. HPR's Catherine Cluett Pactol was in Lahaina for the paddle-out that kicked off the commemorative events. During a cultural ceremony, community members offered hoʻokupu of native plants from Lahaina, followed by a chant praying for Lahaina to be green and flourish again.
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Maui officials are highlighting some steps toward rebuilding nearly a year after a deadly wildfire destroyed much of Lahaina. That includes residential building permits being issued, construction underway to rebuild one home and new growth on a giant, 151-year-old banyan tree along the town's historic Front Street.
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In the first step of decision-making on a county proposal to phase out certain short-term rentals, the Maui Planning Commission heard from hundreds of testifiers engaged in the process. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol reports the decision could have wide-ranging impacts on the community.
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The Lahaina fire worsened Maui's housing shortage. Now officials eye limiting tourist Airbnb rentalsThe mayor of Maui County wants to stop owners of thousands of vacation properties from renting to visitors. Instead, he wants the units rented long-term to people who live on Maui to address a chronic housing shortage that intensified after last August's deadly wildfire.
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The 19 lots total nearly 1.5 acres at Maui Lani that the county authorized to give the organization in 2022. They will be used for affordable workforce housing in perpetuity.
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With the landmark passage of a state law addressing short-term rentals, Maui County has already announced legislation to phase out vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas. Mayor Richard Bissen said the county is prepared for legal pushback. If passed, the bill would go into effect in July 2025 for West Maui and in 2026 for the rest of the island. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol explains.
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The policy, announced by Mayor Richard Bissen and grassroots advocacy group Lahaina Strong, is intended to free up housing for displaced families devastated by the August wildfires. The county will have the authority to enact this policy due to the state Legislature's final approval of Senate Bill 2919.
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Speaking to The Conversation, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen shared his reaction to Green's decision about short-term rental moratoriums and reflected on his State of the County address on March 15, in which he outlined a path forward for a "heartbroken" community.