In 1989, the Honolulu City Council established provisions that allowed Transient Vacation Units (TVUs) located in zoning districts where they were no longer allowed to continue in operation if they were in existence prior to certain preceding dates and obtained a Nonconforming Use Certificate (the grandfather policy). But certain residential areas on Oahu have had long-term problems with illegal TVU operations, resulting in complaints to the City about noise, illegal parking and other problems associated with such operations.
The council feels that establishing a permitting process and standards for TVU operations will minimize the impact of TVUs in residential areas and result in a reduction of the problems associated with illegal TVU operations. The council attempted to address this problem in 2008 and 2009, when it considered bills related to TVUs, but was unable to pass any legislation at that time. But because of the continuing problems with illegal TVU operations in residential neighborhoods, City Council Chair Ernie Martin believes that it is time to restart the discussion and once again attempt to address the problem.
The council will consider amendments to the Land Use Ordinance (LUO) to allow TVUs in certain residential areas where they are currently prohibited, subject to certain permitting processes and operating standards, including advertising requirements and severe penalties for operating without a permit
Council Bill 22 (15) related to an increase in enforcement over TVR and B&B in Zoning Committee. The bill would add “licensed rental agent” to "owner, operator, proprietor," require a certificate of permit number on all advertisements, increase penalty fines and allow access by city inspectors.