Hawaii state lawmakers have just rolled out a new law to regulate short-term vacation rentals all over the islands, and give counties the power to turn those rentals into long-term housing as needed. Their aim is to ensure these rentals aren’t messing with the housing scene and affordability for locals, as reported by The Guardian.

In the wake of last August’s devastating wildfires, the legislation serves as a response to broader concerns about the state’s sustainability and resilience. The fires underscored a delicate balance between tourism and environmental conservation, prompting policymakers to reevaluate the impact of short-term rentals on local resources and communities. By imposing stricter regulations, Hawaii aims to mitigate the strain on infrastructure and natural landscapes while ensuring that residents have access to affordable housing options.

“You can’t build housing fast enough under our circumstances, and so this is an opportunity to augment our housing initiatives and building,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said.

Hosts will now have to jump through some hoops before listing a property on sites like Airbnb, for example. First, owners must acquire a permit from the Hawaii Department of Planning and Permitting. There are strings attached, too, like particular zoning laws and additional taxes. Plus, hosts need to give guests specific details like the exact permit number and a local contact for any issues—meaning those who don’t live on the island year-round have to assign a point person to be on call within an hour for any complaints or emergencies that might arise. And owners who think they can skate by without a permit could be looking at fines up to $10,000 per day for attempting to fly under the radar.

Supporters of these vacation rental regulations say they’re all about keeping neighborhoods intact and making sure locals have somewhere to live. But not everyone’s clapping. Some folks worry the law could backfire, hiking up rental prices and putting a dent in tourism cash flow. They say vacation rentals feed the economy and are a lifeline for many islanders.

Bottom line: Hawaii’s got its eye on short-term vacation rentals, trying to sort out the good from the bad. It’s a move towards keeping the islands’ spirit alive while making sure everyone’s got a roof over their head.