We promised a specific proposal to try to address the TVR fiasco now going on regarding Maui real estate. Well, here it is.

Permits for transient vacation rentals would be immediately granted in the following situations:

• Oceanfront homes and homes on lots of more than 2 acres solely for the purposes of vacation rentals. Events (weddings, parties with bands etc) would be specifically prohibited and such events would be grounds for permanent revocation of the permit. This would insure neighbors would not be annoyed by commercial-type events. Owners must either live on property or register a local property manager.
• Other homes on lots smaller than two acres where the owner lives on site. In this case, in addition to the restrictions above, if two or more neighbors register more than one noise or parking based complaint in any one year period, then the County shall withdraw the permit for a period of one year.
• Permitholders shall pay to the County an annual fee of $1000 for permit expenses and to contribute to a new County fund to subsidize affordable housing across Maui.  

We believe this proposal does several things:

• Maintains the diversity of visitor accommodation options for Maui's economy
• Stops the current process of driving owners from their homes
• Empowers neighbors where necessary, limits the activities that can be operated in a residential neighborhood that would create noise or parking problems.
• This also helps address, in a very limited way, the affordable housing situation on the island by creating a fund of $1 million per year. 

We are not wedded to our proposal and would gladly sign on to any idea that accomplishes the four goals above.