You all are busy, so if you don't have the time to listen, here are the key updates:

Renewals for Conditional B&B, Short-Term Rental, and Special Use Permits: On Wednesday, October 16th, at 9 a.m. the Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee will be considering a bill related to renewals for B&B, STR and Special Use permits. The big change that may be of particular concern is the change to the timing of renewal applications. Currently the law states: “Permit renewal applications shall be submitted to the department within ninety days prior to the permit expiration date…” The proposed bill would change that language to say: “Permit renewal applications shall be submitted to the department no later than sixty days prior to expiration of the permit, after which the department shall not accept any renewal applications.” That is a big change in policy that may catch a lot of people off guard.

Maui County Real Property Tax: Real Property Tax Reform is back on the agenda for the Economic Development and Budget Committee on Thursday, October 17th, at 9 a.m. Some of the bigger changes we should all keep an eye on are proposed tiered tax rates for Owner-Occupied, Non-Owner-Occupied, Short Term Rental and Commercial Industrial classifications; changes to condominium reporting requirements; changes to classifications; and new dedications and tax benefits for long-term affordable rentals and long-term rentals.

Draft EIS filed for EMI: Alexander & Baldwin and EMI have filed a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed lease of water in the East Maui areas of Nahiku, Ke’anae, Honomanu, and Huelo. A statutory 45-day public review and comment period is now open and will continue through November 7, 2019. Those submitting comments should send them to the approving agency (Board of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii, Mr. Ian Hirokawa, [email protected], 1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813) and copy the applicant and consultant (Wilson Okamoto Corporation, 1907 S. Beretania Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, HI 96826, Mr. Earl Matsukawa, AICP, [email protected]).

FHA Condo Rules: The new FHA Condo Rules go into effect on October 15th. The rule changes will make condominiums a more accessible option for homebuyers that rely on FHA financing. For more information, follow this link to a video from NAR.

FY 2021 Mayor’s Community budget Meetings: Mayor Victorino is still holding community meetings throughout Maui County. The remaining meetings are: Molokai - 3:30 p.m., Monday, October 21st, at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center; Lanai - 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 22nd, at the Hale Kupuna O’ Lana’i; East Maui/Hana - 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 28th, at Helene Hall

Maui Boards and Commissions: Applicants are being sought for 42 vacancies on Maui County boards, commissions, councils and committees. The application deadline is Nov. 15, 2019. Anyone interested in serving on a board or commission should first apply online at www.mauicounty.gov/Boards, or pick up a paper application in the County building.

RAM GAD POD: Available on most platforms! Just Google RAM GAD POD and take your pick. This week’s guest will be Mayor Michael Victorino.