Hawaii STR owners threatening lawsuit to reopen

[Mike V.]

In Hawaii, all legally owned and operated short term rentals were deemed illegal by the governor for several months now. Each month they have extended the ban on a monthly basis. They also further prevented short term rental owners from cutting their losses and expanded their definition of short term rentals to include anything under 6 months (previously is was 30 days).

STRs were ordered shut down and are prohibited from renting to locals, staycations, essential employees, health care workers, and intra island renters.

Hotels are exempt from this law.

https://www.kitv.com/story/42234469/vacation-rental-owners-claim-discrimination-threaten-lawsuit

I appreciate the abundance of caution, especially with travel to and from the mainland, but what irks me is not being allowed to rent to the locals. They’re allowing intra island travel starting on the 15th and I had to reject 4 reservations I’ve received in the first 24 hours of the announcement from locals asking to stay at my properties on the 16th. I believe this is a gross overstepping by the governor and hope the lawsuit is successful.