What's Being Discussed
The Maui County Council's Housing and Land Use Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to consider two resolutions related to vacation rentals in coastal areas at risk from sea level rise.

Resolution 26-129: Would send proposed changes to the Maui Planning Commission that would rezone eight apartment-zoned properties in Mā'alaea, Kīhei, and Lahaina to hotel zoning — allowing them to legally continue operating as transient vacation rentals (TVRs). These properties sit within a recognized sea level rise exposure area. Affected buildings include Island Sands, Maalaea Kai, Kihei Bay Surf, Kihei Bay Vista, Lokelani, Hale Ono Loa, Pikake, and Hale Kai I.
Resolution 26-130: Would send similar proposed changes to the Planning Commission for three additional properties — 10 Walaka Street in Kīhei and Makai Sunset Inn on Front Street in Lahaina — also rezoning them from apartment to hotel district to allow vacation rental use to continue.

Both resolutions would also update the Kīhei-Makena and West Maui Community Plans to reflect the new hotel land use designations.

Decisions Expected
The committee may vote to recommend adoption of either or both resolutions, with or without changes. They could also add or remove properties from the lists, or choose not to move the resolutions forward at all.

Who Should Pay Attention

Owners and residents of the eight named properties in Mā'alaea, Kīhei, and Lahaina
Vacation rental operators and guests in coastal Maui
Neighbors and community members in West Maui and South Maui
Anyone interested in coastal land use, climate adaptation, or short-term rental policy in Maui County