Mayor Bissens Minatoya Proposal Heads to Council for Crucial Decision

Countdown to Decision: Mayor Bissen’s Minatoya Proposal Nears Critical Vote

We are now under seven weeks away from the County Council’s final decision on Mayor Bissen’s controversial proposal to restrict short-term rental operations in West Maui condominiums included on the Minatoya list. The stakes are high, but recent developments suggest that the tide may be turning against the proposal.

According to the latest poll, the County Council appears poised to reject the measure with a 6–3 margin. This is welcome news for many in the community who view the proposal as a reactionary move that lacks long-term vision or economic sensitivity.

What Might Happen If the Proposal Gets Revised

If revisions are introduced—something that now seems more likely than a full endorsement—there’s growing consensus that only a few complexes (likely under five) could be impacted. These properties were initially constructed for workforce housing and may be treated differently due to their original designation.

For the majority of complexes on the Minatoya list, the expectation is that they will be allowed to continue operations as usual, with a promising next step: possible rezoning into Hotel zones. Ideally, this transition would occur without burdensome fees or red tape, aligning with the original zoning intent and economic utility of these properties.

The July 1 Deadline: More Symbolic Than Practical?

Mayor Bissen’s proposed July 1, 2025 shutdown of short-term rental operations appears increasingly unrealistic—even if the proposal were to pass. That’s because several condo associations are ready to file fiduciary right claims against the county. Legal experts believe a stay on enforcement is highly probable, allowing normal operations to continue until these claims are resolved, which could take years.

This legal precedent isn't theoretical. A 2019 decision on Oahu involving a similar dispute resulted in the county dropping the enforcement entirely. The parallels are striking, and many believe that West Maui could be headed in the same direction.

A Knee-Jerk Reaction?

It’s hard to ignore the origins of this proposal, which many trace back to pressure from protest groups nearly a year ago. In that context, the entire initiative feels more like a reactionary political move than a well-considered policy. That’s what makes this upcoming vote so critical—not just for the future of short-term rentals in West Maui, but for responsible governance in general.

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Stay engaged. Stay informed. The countdown continues.

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