News Release from Kailua Neighborhood Board Sept 9, 2013

At its meeting of September 5, 2013, the Kailua Neighborhood Board overwhelmingly adopted a resolution asking the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to respect the zoning and quality of life of residential neighborhoods and stop promoting Kailua as a tourist destination and an alternative to Waikiki.

On the HTA web site that includes "copyright 2012 Hawaii Tourism Authority" it is stated that "If you are planning a family vacation or you're traveling with a large group to Oahu, a Kailua vacation rental can be the perfect solution.…the Kailua area offers a peaceful alternative to lively Waikiki."

The Board finds that this is directly contrary to the Honolulu City Council decision in 1989 to phase out short-term rentals in residential areas in order to give protection and relief to impacted communities. It contributes to the City's problem of enforcement against illegal short-term rentals.

The HTA action adds to problems created by short-term rentals of escalating housing prices, and scarce rentals; and affects the safety, social, cultural and environmental character of residential neighborhoods.

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