Short-term rentals (STRs) are also known as vacation rentals, and are lodgings that provide guest accommodation for less than 30 consecutive days. In order to preserve housing for long-term residents, STRs are only permitted in resort-zoned areas and a couple of specific apartment-zoned areas.
There are two types of STR:
The owner or operator of a less than 30-day rental must register each unit they are renting for less than 30 days. The exceptions are: 1) Existing NUC holders do not need to register under the new registration system. Current NUC holders must renew their NUCs as usual in 2022 and annually between September 1 and October 15 thereafter. 2) Hotels and time sharing units (defined in the Land Use Ordinance Sections 21-10.1 and 21-5.640, respectively).
Certain short-term rentals properties are eligible and required to register under Ordinance 22-7 . The following is a map showing eligible properties: TVU Eligibility You can call the Department of Permitting and Planning (DPP) at (808) 768-STVR (7887) or you can submit a zoning verification request. The research fee is $150 (for each tax map key), or $300 (for each tax map key) for confirmation of a nonconforming status. If eligible, use the following link to register your property: Registration Link
The DPP recently released it’s STR Compliance Map that includes properties issued a STR Notice of Violation or Order, and properties legally registered to operate as a short-term rental.
“Grandfathered” STRs that have been in operation since prior to October 22, 1986, and were issued a nonconforming use certificate (NUC), must renew their NUC every year to continue operating. New NUCs are not being issued.
Ordinance 22-7 changed the definition of short-term from 30 days to less than 90 days. However, there has been a temporary injunction against this change. HLSTRA (Hawai’i Legal Short-term Rental Alliance) is pursuing a permanent injunction. There are currently no registration requirements for those not renting short-term.
Hotels and time sharing units (defined in the Land Use Ordinance Sections 21-10.1 and 21-5.640, respectively) are classified as “Hotel/ Resort” for property taxes. Per Ordinance 22-5, a new TVU (Transient Vacation Unit) classification is established for STRs required to register and NUCs.
Anyone selling real property must provide the buyer with a short-term rental disclosure form stating whether the property may be legally used for STRs. The STR must be registered to be in compliance with law. NUCs “run with the land” and are transferable as long as the new Owner follows certification
Link to Department of Permitting and Planning Short-term Rental information: https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/short-term-rentals.html