AHLA Testimony in Support of 2021 Honolulu City Council Effort to Regulate Short-term Rentals
March 23, 2022
Summary
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) supports Hawaii’s efforts to regulate illegal short-term rentals, emphasizing their harmful impact on communities and affordable housing. The AHLA highlights recent legal victories, including a 9th Circuit ruling affirming platform accountability for illegal listings, and advocates for enforcement measures like those proposed in Bill 41 (2021) CD2.
Proposed amendments aim to protect property owners from liability for unpermitted tenant activities and facilitate the removal of illegal whole-home rentals, potentially adding over 10,000 units to O‘ahu’s housing market. The bill aligns with efforts to promote legal, taxed, and regulated short-term rentals, balancing enforcement with tourism industry needs and community interests.
Proposed amendments aim to protect property owners from liability for unpermitted tenant activities and facilitate the removal of illegal whole-home rentals, potentially adding over 10,000 units to O‘ahu’s housing market. The bill aligns with efforts to promote legal, taxed, and regulated short-term rentals, balancing enforcement with tourism industry needs and community interests.