In the summer of 2018, Mayor Kirk Caldwell signed Bill 89. This law regulates short term rentals on Oahu.
I rarely travel. However, when I do, I stay at a hotel. I know many people who found the benefits of AirBnB. Likewise, I heard equal opposition about AirBnBs too. This is touchy subject since arguments on both sides seem very valid.
Tourism represents a large portion of Oahu's economy. If the powers that be are going to protect this industry, it's probably best that our elected officials re-evaluate things.
Many people associate Waikiki with tourism. However, did you know that a large part of Waikiki is not zoned for resort/resort mixed use? Everyone knows that Kalakaua Avenue is our "strip." However, what about Kuhio Avenue?
Since we're hunkered down at home, go on Google Maps and do a drive through of Kuhio Avenue. You'll probably notice a mixture of hotels and really old apartments/structures. Per the Department of Planning and Permitting, many parcels mauka of Kuhio Avenue are zoned for apartment use, and not resort/resort mix use.
One existing solution is the issuance of non-conforming use certificates. However, another option is to re-zone the land mauka of Kuhio Avenue to resort/resort mix use. It's often documented how tourism is at an all time high. If short term rentals are no longer a feasible lodging option, wouldn't it be best to create more hotels so we can keep up with the demand?
Since we are on the topic of hotels, here are some other random tidbits.
Tourism has halted throughout the world. To help fight against COVID-19, some hotels in Kansas City have been used as office space to help with social distancing. In Honolulu, the state is planning to lease hotels so COVID-19 patients can self-isolate. Across the country, some cities are housing homeless people in hotels.
I understand our primary focus is to flatten the curve. Be safe and healthy. We are in this together.
-Roda