Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 47 minutes ago
It’s been nearly five years since Honolulu enacted a law to hold vacation rental platforms accountable for illegal listings. Companies can be fined up to $10,000 per day, per unit if they’re paid for an unpermitted rental.
Yet the city has never cited these companies as the island’s housing market remains tight. And it’s definitely not because illegal rentals aren’t out there — the city has approved just 2,100 rentals, yet there are about 7,900 Oʻahu listings on Airbnb alone.
Hear why the city says it would rather partner with these platforms instead of enforce the law against them.
Read the full story: civilbeat.org/2025/05/honolulu-can-fine-airbnb-vrbo-for-illegal-vacation-rentals-it-never-has
It’s been nearly five years since Honolulu enacted a law to hold vacation rental platforms accountable for illegal listings. Companies can be fined up to $10,000 per day, per unit if they’re paid for an unpermitted rental.
Yet the city has never cited these companies as the island’s housing market remains tight. And it’s definitely not because illegal rentals aren’t out there — the city has approved just 2,100 rentals, yet there are about 7,900 Oʻahu listings on Airbnb alone.
Hear why the city says it would rather partner with these platforms instead of enforce the law against them.
Read the full story: civilbeat.org/2025/05/honolulu-can-fine-airbnb-vrbo-for-illegal-vacation-rentals-it-never-has
