HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County Council passed a moratorium on building permits for new visitor accommodation in south and west Maui on Friday.
The measure was adopted with 6 to 2 votes.
Legislators said the bill was passed in an effort to prioritize the environmental sustainability and quality of life of residents affected by overtourism on the island.
[Related Coverage: Citing overtourism concerns, Maui lawmakers call for temporary moratorium on new hotels]
With the influx of visitors arriving on the island, lawmakers are hoping this bill can provide an opportunity for Maui to reassess its approach to tourism.
“Although the county does not have the authority to prevent airlines from bringing in more visitors, it does have powers over building permits and housing development,” said City Councilor Kelly Takaya King, who introduced the bill.
[Related Coverage: Maui mayor’s appeal to airlines: At least for now, please bring us fewer visitors]
The bill states that visitor accommodation must be limited for a transitional period “to protect the county’s environment, mitigate climate change and work towards resilience”.
“The temporary hiatus for new visitor accommodation in areas like Lahaina and Kihei is intended to give the county time to implement critical long-term plans and provide policy direction for day-to-day decision-making to curb climate change and improve resilience. “Said King.
Officials said the bill should encourage residents to join the process in the future to provide guidance to local government and the visitor industry.
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