Oahu Vacation Rentals Owners Forum

Please Submit Testimony on Bill 20 - Scheduled for C & C Council Meeting on Monday

Bill 20 will have its first hearing by the full City Council on Monday, 3/25/24 at 10am HST. This bill would create a “planning and permitting fund” whereby revenues (fines & fees) generated by the DPP will be deposited into this account rather than a general fund. Please use the talking points below to OPPOSE this bill using the link at the bottom. Just input the 3/25 Council Meeting, then Bill 20.

This Bill will create a conflict of interest as it will incentivize the department to pursue penalties aggressively for financial benefit, potentially compromising the impartiality and objectivity of penalty enforcement. Moreover, this arrangement could lead to a perception of bias or favoritism, undermining public trust in the enforcement process and raising questions about the fairness and transparency of penalty decisions. In summary, allocating civil penalties funds to the department responsible for imposing the penalties can give rise to conflicts of interest, potentially impacting the integrity and credibility of penalty enforcement processes in Hawaii.

City Council Records City & County of Honolulu Legislative Document Access

HLSTRA Lawsuit Update Meeting

You are probably aware that HLSTRA was recently granted summary judgement in their favor. The judgment concludes that the City may not enforce Ordinance 22-7 “insofar as it prohibits 30–89 day home rentals lawfully in existence at its effective date, or the advertisement of such rentals, in any district on Oahu.” Therefore, property owners engaged in 30-day rentals prior to October 23, 2022 who wish to continue to do so, are granted that use under a legal non-conforming status. You can read the full judgment HERE. Please note that OSTRA was not a party to this case.

To answer any questions about the judgement, Greg Kugle will host another webinar on Wednesday, January 17th at 10AM HST. Please use the following link to register and submit any questions:

Register and submit questions in advance for this webinar.

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NSGZGxdcT2-l5nyDR4ExKA?utm_campaign=2023%20Homeowner&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=289389633&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9ISehXZZ7pyHXZ0CQ-woYJYI-8MgbsRzKYNGGTnIMUHffIsQ9HFWwuo_kQfFGBjVWdAjHrezRckNdrwBABJiYBZ8iaYA&utm_content=289389633&utm_source=hs_email #/registration

HILSTRA has a fairly large, accrued balance due to the law firm. There is also a strong likelihood that the City will appeal the decision. If you are a property owner, operator, or interested party who may benefit from HLSTRA’s efforts, please contribute via one of the following methods:

1. Go to https://hawaiilawyer.com/?utm_campaign=2023%20Homeowner&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=289389633&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8rPGTidMlls_9cRMLvnv_WX8Oe41LVdpdVrM7C0QsFKtmdmzPewl3CwPzD86Ha_bfQS4oWCqtBoP1emqMiJhxMqPBsGw&utm_content=289389633&utm_source=hs_email and click “Make a Payment” in the top right corner. Select “Deposit a Retainer,” which will take you to this payment page. In the “Client Matter” field, enter HILSTRA.

2. Make a check payable to Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, with HILSTRA in the memo, and send it to:Damon Key Leong

Kupchak Hastert
1003 Bishop Street, Suite 1600
Honolulu, HI, 9681

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Oahu Short Term Rental Alliance (OSTRA) educates and advocates for fair treatment of the mid and short-term rentals on our island. By becoming an OSTRA member, you’ll get access to important information including new regulations, property tax information, industry reports and more. You’ll also get access to our Members-Only Facebook Group to share best practices and ask our experts questions. Please do your part and join today at OSTRA.org.

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Home - Oahu Short-Term Rental Alliance Welcome to OSTRA, the home of short-term rentals and transient vacation units across Honolulu, HI.