Kakaako, a rapidly developing neighborhood near downtown Honolulu, has seen an uptick in vacation rentals, some of which may be unpermitted or operating illegally under Honolulu’s short-term rental laws.
Here’s how you can report suspected violations:
1. Determine if It’s Illegal
Under Honolulu’s Ordinance 22-7 (Bill 41):
- Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals of less than 90 days.
- In most areas—including parts of Kakaako—short-term rentals are not permitted unless the property is registered and in an approved zone.
- Only a limited number of nonconforming use certificates (NUC) are issued.
Check if the property is registered on the official STR registry:
👉 https://www.honolulu.gov/dppstr
2. Collect Evidence
Before reporting:
- Write down the address
- Note the dates the property was rented
- Save any screenshots or listings from platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo
- Document any disturbances or violations
3. How to Report
You can report illegal rentals to the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP):
Online complaint form:
https://www.honolulu.gov/dppcomplaint
By phone:
📞 DPP Complaints Branch: (808) 768-8127
📞 24-hour Complaint Line: (808) 768-8118
Email (for backup): info@honolulu.gov
Make sure to include detailed information and evidence.
4. What Happens Next
Once reported:
- DPP may investigate and issue citations
- Fines can range from $1,000 to $10,000 per day
- Illegal STRs may be forced to shut down
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I report anonymously?
Yes. You do not need to provide your name to file a complaint.
Q: What’s the penalty for hosting an illegal vacation rental?
Fines can reach $10,000 per day for each day of noncompliance.
Q: Is there a list of legal rentals in Honolulu?
Yes. The city maintains a searchable registry of legal STRs on the DPP website.
Q: Are all short-term rentals in Kakaako illegal?
Not necessarily. Some may have been grandfathered in, but most residential zones do not allow STRs under 90 days without proper registration.
Sources Star Advertiser
