How Do I Report an Illegal Vacation Rental in Hawaii?

By Alice Nichols

Are you aware of illegal vacation rentals in Hawaii? If so, it’s essential to report them to the concerned authorities immediately. Illegal vacation rentals not only cause disruption in neighborhoods but can also pose a threat to tourists’ safety.

Here’s how you can report an illegal vacation rental in Hawaii:

Step 1: Gather Information

Before reporting an illegal vacation rental, gather as much information as possible about the property. Note down the address, name of the owner or manager, and any other relevant details that might help the authorities investigate.

Step 2: Contact Appropriate Authorities

In Hawaii, illegal vacation rentals are handled by various agencies depending on their location. You can contact either of the following agencies:

  • The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) if the property is located on Oahu
  • The Planning Department if the property is located on Maui
  • The Planning Department if the property is located on Kauai
  • The Building Division if the property is located on Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Contacting DPP:

If you’re reporting an illegal vacation rental in Oahu, contact DPP at (808) 768-8000 or visit their website at www.honoluludpp.org. You can file a complaint online or by phone.

Contacting Maui Planning Department:

For Maui, contact the Planning Department at (808) 270-7253 or email them at planning@mauicounty.gov.

Contacting Kauai Planning Department:

For Kauai, contact the Planning Department at (808) 241-4050 or email them at planinfo@kauai.

Contacting Building Division:

For Hawaii Island, contact the Building Division at (808) 961-8331 or email them at hawaiibuildingdivision@hawaiicounty.

Step 3: Provide Information

When you report an illegal vacation rental, provide all the information you’ve gathered. You may need to fill out a complaint form or provide a written statement. Be sure to include specific details about the property, such as the address and owner’s name.

Step 4: Follow Up

After reporting an illegal vacation rental, follow up with the appropriate agency to ensure they’ve received your complaint and are taking action. It may take some time for the authorities to investigate and take action against the owner of the illegal vacation rental.

Conclusion:

Illegal vacation rentals are a serious problem in Hawaii. If you suspect that a property is being illegally used as a vacation rental, it’s crucial to report it immediately. By following these steps, you can help protect your community and ensure that visitors to Hawaii have safe and legal accommodations.