RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS HOSTING PLATFORMS.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 6 co-sponsors

SB 1102 regulates short-term rental platforms, requiring registration and compliance with local laws, enhancing consumer protections, and empowering local governments.

Carried over to 2024 Regular Session.

#bookingservices #countyregulation #hostingplatforms #transientaccommodations

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 1102 (SB 1102) aims to regulate transient accommodations hosting platforms, which facilitate short-term rentals and bookings. The bill seeks to establish a framework for oversight and compliance, ensuring that these platforms operate within the legal and regulatory boundaries set by local counties. The intent is to balance the interests of property owners, local communities, and the tourism industry.

Key Provisions

Regulatory Framework: SB 1102 proposes a set of regulations that hosting platforms must adhere to, including:

Registration Requirements: Hosting platforms will be required to register with local county authorities.
Compliance with Local Laws: Platforms must ensure that listings comply with local zoning and rental laws.
Data Reporting: Platforms may be required to report data on rental activity to local governments for monitoring purposes.

Enforcement Mechanisms: The bill outlines penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential suspension of operating licenses for platforms that fail to adhere to the regulations.

Consumer Protections: Provisions may include measures to protect consumers from fraudulent listings and ensure transparency in pricing and availability.

Affected Parties

Hosting Platforms: Companies like Airbnb and Vrbo that facilitate short-term rentals will be directly impacted by the new regulations.

Property Owners: Individuals renting out their properties will need to comply with registration and local laws.

Local Governments: Counties will gain authority to regulate and enforce compliance among hosting platforms.

Tourists and Consumers: Enhanced protections and transparency will benefit travelers using these platforms.

Procedural Timeline

Introduced: January 17, 2025

Status: Carried over to the 2024 Regular Session after being introduced in 2023.

Legislative Actions: The bill has undergone multiple readings and amendments in both the House and Senate, with significant actions including:

Vetoed: The bill was vetoed twice by the Governor on July 3 and July 7, 2025, returning it without approval.
Passed Final Reading: The bill passed its final reading in the House on May 2, 2025, after being amended in Conference Committee.
Committee Reviews: The bill has been reviewed and amended by several committees, including Transportation and Energy (TRN), Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA), and others.

Conclusion

SB 1102 represents a significant step towards regulating transient accommodations hosting platforms in Hawaii. By establishing a clear framework for compliance and oversight, the bill aims to address concerns related to short-term rentals while promoting responsible tourism and protecting local communities. The bill's future will depend on further legislative actions and potential adjustments following the Governor's vetoes.

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