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Maui Elections 2026

Issues

Housing & Bill 9

The central fight of the race — phasing out apartment-zoned short-term vacation rentals to reclaim housing after the Lahaina wildfire intensified Maui’s housing crisis.

June 2026 development

Bill 9 implementation watch

Units affected

~6,200

West Maui deadline

Jan 1, 2029

Rest of county

Jan 1, 2031

Backers say

Returning apartment-zoned TVRs to long-term use will improve affordability for kamaʻāina after short-term rentals reached 21% of Maui housing stock.

Critics say

Projected tax and tourism revenue losses will hurt jobs and county services without guaranteeing units become affordable rentals.

The UHERO paradox

A University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization study was cited by both sides. We present both interpretations with attribution — no endorsement.

Supporters highlighted

Projected improved affordability and decreased housing costs from returning units to long-term residential use.

Opponents highlighted

Projected widespread job loss and significant reduction in county tax revenue.

Background

The August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire killed 102 people, destroyed approximately 5,500 homes, and displaced more than 12,000 residents. It intensified a pre-existing housing crisis on an island where short-term vacation rentals had come to represent 21% of total housing stock — the highest percentage of any county in Hawaiʻi.

What Bill 9 does

Signed into law by Mayor Bissen on December 15, 2025 after a 5–3 council vote:

  • Phases out “Minatoya” transient vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts
  • 6,000+ units expected to return to long-term residential use
  • Phase-out deadline: January 1, 2029 (West Maui); January 1, 2031 (rest of county)
  • Does not eliminate all tourism; ~6,500 other TVR parcels plus hotels and B&Bs continue

The UHERO paradox

A University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization study was cited by both sides:

  • Supporters highlighted projected improved affordability and decreased housing costs
  • Opponents highlighted projected widespread job loss and significant reduction in county tax revenue

This site presents both interpretations with attribution. No endorsement.

Where leading candidates stand

  • Richard T. Bissen Jr.

    Supports
    “Ninety-four percent of the units affected are owned by people who don't live in Maui County.”

    Introduced and signed Bill 9 in December 2025 after a 5–3 council vote.

  • Yuki Lei Sugimura

    Opposes

    One of three dissenting votes. Concerned about ~$60M annual property tax loss and ~$15M GET/TAT revenue loss. Would not seek repeal but would minimize economic damage.

  • P. Denise La Costa

    Opposes
    “Bill 9 will not create housing. It will destroy the jobs of all the small business owners whose livelihood depends upon tourism.”

    Would repeal Bill 9 and redirect related tax revenues into a first-time homebuyer fund.