Affordable Housing
New Legislation I would support
Empty Home Tax
An "empty home" is a home that is not lived in or rented out at least 6 months of the year. In Maui County, we have hundreds of empty homes that are often 2nd and 3rd homes for wealthy people from the mainland or abroad. This new tax must be significant enough so new 2nd and 3rd homes are never built in the first place and to ensure that existing empty homes are either listed for rent or sold to someone that will actually occupy it full time. If people prefer to pay the new empty home tax, the new tax revenue will go into the Affordable Housing Fund.
Implementing an Empty Homes Tax in Maui County, inspired by Vancouver's successful model, would be a strategic move towards addressing the county’s housing crisis. Vancouver’s Empty Homes Tax has proven effective in encouraging property owners to either rent or sell their vacant homes, thereby increasing housing availability and affordability. By adopting a similar law, Maui County could see comparable benefits.
The tax revenue generated from the Empty Homes Tax in Vancouver has been substantial, contributing directly to the city's affordable housing initiatives. For Maui County, this increased revenue could significantly bolster the Affordable Housing Fund, which is crucial for developing and maintaining affordable housing projects. This, in turn, would help alleviate the housing shortage that has plagued many residents, particularly those with lower incomes.
Additionally, the tax would deter speculative holding of properties, promoting a more active real estate market. Property owners may be more inclined to make their homes available for rent or sale rather than letting them sit vacant, thus increasing the housing supply.
An Empty Homes Tax would not only provide necessary funds for affordable housing but also promote a more vibrant and inclusive community. It’s a proactive measure that balances economic growth with social responsibility, addressing immediate housing needs while planning for sustainable development in Maui County.
I believe housing is a human right and we have a moral obligation to ensure that everyone has safe and dignified shelter. The county already has a great housing plan, but we need new leadership to implement it.
Maui County invested years and hundreds of thousands of dollars in creating the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan that was released in 2021. That plan clearly lays out a path for Maui County to invest in and provide affordable housing for its residents. Again, the main difference that distinguishes me from current Councilmember Sugimura is that she is funded and in debt to big developers; so, instead of following the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan, she makes decisions based on what will increase luxury hotels’ profits and what will allow developers to build more luxury homes that locals can’t afford.
In addition to following the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan, I’m learning from people with experience and expertise in this area. The Pono Network has listed on their site some actionable steps that can take us through the next 10 years.
When your motivation is to actually help locals instead of paying back campaign donations from luxury hotels, you will see that the plans are in place. We just need new leadership.
Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan
MISSION STATEMENT
Housing is a Human Right
As a candidate for Maui County Council, my mission is to champion the belief that housing is a fundamental human right. I am dedicated to ensuring that every resident has access to safe, affordable housing. We must take bold actions to increase affordable housing availability, support sustainable development, and protect our community's most vulnerable members. By fostering partnerships, utilizing innovative solutions, and advocating for equitable policies, I aim to create a more inclusive and thriving Maui County, where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity and security. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community.