Are you planning to visit Hawaii for a vacation? It’s important to ensure that your vacation rental is legal and safe. If you suspect that a vacation rental in Hawaii is operating illegally, here is what you can do to report it.
Step 1: Collect Information about the Vacation Rental
Before reporting an illegal vacation rental, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the rental property. Here are some details that you should collect:
- The name and address of the vacation rental
- The contact information of the owner or host
- The website or platform where the rental is advertised
- The dates when the rental was occupied or booked
Step 2: Check if the Vacation Rental is Operating Legally
Hawaii has strict laws and regulations for vacation rentals. Before reporting an illegal vacation rental, you should check if it’s operating legally. Here are some ways to do so:
- Check with the Hawaii State Department of Taxation for a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) certificate number.
- Verify if the vacation rental has a valid Transient Vacation Unit (TVU) permit from the Hawaii Department of Planning and Permitting.
Step 3: Report an Illegal Vacation Rental
If you have confirmed that a vacation rental in Hawaii is operating illegally, here is what you can do to report it:
Contact Local Authorities
You can contact local authorities such as the police department or county zoning department to report an illegal vacation rental. Make sure to provide them with all the details that you have collected about the rental property.
Contact Hosting Platforms
If the illegal vacation rental was booked through a hosting platform such as Airbnb or VRBO, you can report it directly on the platform. Most platforms have a dedicated reporting system for illegal rentals.
File a Complaint with Hawaii’s Department of Planning and Permitting
If you want to file a formal complaint against an illegal vacation rental, you can contact the Hawaii Department of Planning and Permitting. They have an online complaint form that you can fill out with all the necessary details.
Conclusion
Reporting an illegal vacation rental in Hawaii is important for maintaining safety and compliance with laws and regulations. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your vacation rental is legal and safe. Remember to do your research before booking a vacation rental in Hawaii to avoid any potential legal issues.