Hawaii tourism industry fears negative impact of rental law

HONOLULU — New short-term rental rules could impact Hawaii’s tourism industry by decreasing the amount of lodging for potential visitors.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Thursday that more restrictive rental rules on Oahu were scheduled to take effect Thursday.

Honolulu City Council unanimously passed the rental bill that was signed into law June 25.

The ordinance bans advertising of unpermitted short-term rentals and enacts penalties resulting in fines of up to $10,000 for persistent violators.

Members of the state’s visitor industry have expressed concerns the law will be applied to units in resort districts.

Officials say the spread of vacation rentals has added to Oahu’s lodging supply and tourism growth, but the new ordinance could negatively impact those gains.

Investors outside Hawaii including airlines have said they are monitoring the ordinance.

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Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com