Maui B&B Operations Approved

The Maui County Council gave final approval to a bill that revises county laws on permits for bed-and-breakfast operations. The legislation would set a cap on the number of B&Bs allowed in each district, as well as establish a simplified permitting process and impose rules to minimize visitor impacts on neighbors. Next year, the new council will take up a second set of bills to revamp regulations on transient vacation rentals, which are not within the operator's home or property. B&Bs have an owner living on-site, while "vacation rentals" have an off-site manager or owner. The number of B&Bs would be capped at 48 in Hana, 100 in South Maui, 40 in Upcountry, 88 in Paia-Haiku, 36 in Central Maui and 88 in West Maui - a total of 400 for the island.