Everyone who lives in — or visits — Hawaii knows that this is a very special place. Not just because of its ethereal beauty and breathtaking views, but because of its people. Some of my most treasured memories have come from sharing a meal, a ride, or a laugh with individuals who call Hawaii home. As the globe’s leading travel technology platform, we at Expedia Group, take immense pride in helping travelers gain a true appreciation for what makes Hawaii more than just a beautiful place.
Expedia Group and our family of brands — including Orbitz, Travelocity, Trivago, Hotels.com, Expedia, HomeAway, VRBO and others — have proudly operated in Hawaii for decades, helping travelers search, compare and book the best airfares, hotel stays, rental car options, activies packages and vacation rental homes. This history gives us a unique understanding of the important role travel and tourism plays in local communities and for many local businesses.
One of the growing trends in tourism is an increased desire for alternative accommodations, or vacation rentals. Vacation rentals have been a staple in Hawaii for generations, and new technology platforms have helped more travelers access these safe and affordable options. They are particularly popular in destinations like Hawaii, where many visitors want a family or group experience in a home — one with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, a swimming pool, or outdoor area for kids.
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in 2016 vacation rental visitors spent nearly $1.2 billion on lodging and over $1.9 billion on food, entertainment and souvenirs. They estimate that in 2019 this spending will rise to $1.6 billion on lodging and nearly $2.6 billion on other local goods and services.
However, this growth is in jeopardy as state lawmakers consider a proposal that would disrupt this vital part of Hawaii’s robust travel and tourism ecosystem.
Expedia Group supports a reasonable regulatory framework for vacation rentals. But Senate Bill 1292 could harm Hawaii’s travel and tourism economy in two key ways. First, it is crafted in a way that has been proven to be unworkable in other jurisdictions.
Second, at a time when the protection of personal information is on the cover of newpapers across the nation, SB 1292 would force travel platforms to hand over the personal data of their vacation rental homeowners.
We believe there is a better path forward for everyone. One that gets communities, government, and industry stakeholders rowing in the same direction. One that addresses communities’ concerns about vacation rentals and protects the rights of local residents who rely on the vacation rental industry.
To demonstrate our commitment to a fair and effective path forward, Expedia Group has adapted some of the best solutions from across the country into a plan that would create a path to legality for vacation rentals. A path governed by a coherent regulatory program and a robust method for reporting and collecting taxes. The policy framework, which we call Whole Home, Whole Community, enables Hawaii to collect all the taxes owed and permit vacation rentals to operate in places and ways that are compatible with the reasonable needs of communities. Platforms would help promote a balance between healthy communities and a robust tourism economy by assisting with the imposition of responsible limits on vacation rentals.
Expedia Group — and our vacation rental brands HomeAway and VRBO — takes immense pride in our long-standing commitment to Hawaii travel providers, vacation rental homeowners, the small business communities they serve, and the millions of families that have used our vacation rental sites to experience the islands in a unique and special way.
We welcome the opportunity to continue this open dialogue, row in the same direction, and pass comprehensive and fair vacation rental policies.
Amanda Pedigo is vice president for government affairs at Expedia Group.
