Financial diversification at core of Maui councilwoman’s effort to handle over-tourism

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With travel restrictions lifted and tensions rising over an explosive tourism industry, attempts to cut down on accommodations for visitors are gaining traction.

The Maui County Council has decided to temporarily suspend building permits for new hotels and resorts in south and west Maui.

Councilor Kelly Takaya King introduced Bill 60 to address concerns about excessive tourism.

Critics of the bill fear it will cost jobs, but King rejects it, saying the county should diversify the economy outside of tourism.

“Most tourism jobs are, you know, $ 12-15 an hour, in the tourism industry, in any activity, or in the frontline hotels,” King said. “We really have to give our residents paths for agriculture, health technology, movies.”

“There are many industries that we could invest our money in and expand so that we don’t become overly dependent on any of those industries,” added King.

[Read more: Council passes temporary moratorium on building permits for new hotels in south, west Maui]

King said under the Maui Island Plan that there should be no more than one tourist for every three residents on the island, or a rate of 33%.

She said the Valley Isle hit more than 45% before the pandemic and the numbers are now rising again since tourism reopened.

The councilor added that she would rather see the construction industry build affordable homes than hotels and resorts.

King said the bill also gives the county time to implement long-term plans to curb climate change.

Mayor Mike Victorino’s office says he will reserve comment on the bill pending review of the final version.

Copyright 2021 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.