Mayor Victorino comments on County Council's override of new transient accommodations veto

News Release from Maui County, January 7, 2022

Although Mayor Michael Victorino expressed disappointment with the Maui County Council action to override his veto of Bill 148 (2021) Draft 1 today, he intends to make the most of the two-year pause on new transient accommodations on Maui.

The Bill passed second and final reading on December 3, 2021, with three amendments that were made without advanced public notice. 

Mayor Victorino vetoed the Bill primarily because of its unintended consequences and lack of opportunity for the public to voice its opinion on three amendments made at second and final reading of the Bill.   

“We need to move on and focus on the future of our people and our commitment to economic diversification and recovery from this crippling pandemic,” Mayor Victorino said. “I agree with Council Chair Lee. We need to look beyond the hospitality industry and improve the balance in our economy through support for industries such as diversified agriculture, arts, technology, wellness, cultural education and environmental restoration.”

The moratorium will be in place until legislation implementing appropriate recommendations presented by a council-established temporary investigative group establishes a transient accommodation limit categorized by type and by community plan area, or two years from its effective date. 

“I look forward to working with various industries, organizations, and the Maui County Council in seeking a balance of a strong, diversified economy and workforce while preserving a healthy quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Victorino. 

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Mayor Victorino vetoes hotel moratorium bill

News Release from Office of the Mayor, Dec 22, 2021

Mayor Michael Victorino vetoed Bill 148 (2021) Draft 1 today. The measure would establish a moratorium on new transient accommodations in all zoning districts on Maui.  The moratorium will be in place until legislation implementing appropriate recommendations presented by a council-established temporary investigative group establishes a transient accommodation limit categorized by type and by community plan area, or two years from its effective date. 

“If we don’t provide the right type of visitor accommodations in the right places, we could see an influx of vacation rentals in our residential neighborhoods.  We’ve already seen this happen with vehicle rentals as residents bridged the gap during the period where rental vehicles were unavailable.  This moratorium will likely worsen our already dire housing crisis by renting to visitors and taking away housing that is needed by our hardworking families.”

The Bill passed second and final reading on December 3, 2021, but not without amendments.  Three amendments were made without advance public notice therefore, the public did not have the opportunity to provide input on the impact of the changes.

“Government is for our people,” Mayor Victorino said. “This action by the Council lacked transparency and openness.  It left members of the public without a voice on the matter.”

“I strongly urge the Council to reconsider passage of this bill, and I ask our residents, the people of Maui County, to call on your councilmembers to protect our neighborhoods, our jobs, and our housing.”