Honolulu warns illegal vacation rental owners of new fines

Honolulu has sent approximately 5,000 “courtesy” letters to owners and operators of illegal vacation rentals warning them to stop advertising or face hefty fines.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Friday that violating the new ban on advertising short-term rentals could result in fines of up to $10,000 per day.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says everyone on the island of Oahu who may be operating an illegal vacation rental should be aware of the new law.

The letter sent to owners says that even if tenants are the ones advertising for the rentals, owners are ultimately accountable.

Caldwell says the city scoured hosting platforms to get names and addresses associated with illegal rentals. Officials also compared photos on advertisements with actual addresses and city records.

___

Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com