Economists: Airbnb Crackdown Will Likely Cause Big Drop In Oahu Tourism

[TexasTowelie]

Oahu might suffer a 4% drop in tourism because of a new law to toughen restrictions on short-term vacation rentals, University of Hawaii economists predict in a quarterly economic outlook released Friday.

The prediction is part of a sobering outlook that continues the tone of previous recent forecasts by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. While the view of a slowing economy is nothing new, the sudden elimination of thousands of accommodations from Oahu’s room inventory could have a particularly onerous impact, UHERO predicts.

Based on the most recent tourist data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority for the month of July, the predicted drop in visitors to Oahu would cause a drop of more than $30 million per month in direct spending by tourists.

The prediction is the most alarming part of a generally pessimistic economic outlook for next year. Although UHERO said construction remains a bright spot for Hawaii, it reports even that has seen a decline in growth.

Read more: https://www.civilbeat.org/2019/09/economists-airbnb-crackdown-will-likely-cause-big-drop-in-oahu-tourism/

[mahina]

1. Great.

Not kidding.

There is no way to express how sad it’s been to lose the good things about Hawaii to actual mobs. It can’t be fun for the visitors either to be like sardines.

I am Miss Aloha and truly appreciate the treasure our visitors bring. I help them find wherever they’re going. I pull over and explain *with a smile* they can’t fucking ride a bike around blind corners against traffic to get to Lanikai or the will be killed. I peel the jellyfish tentacles off and bust out the good stuff* so their kids stop crying. I smile at them from my heart when passing in the street. But we don’t need 6 million visitors a year! Don’t you agree Texas Towlie?

I already see a big impact from the Airbnb law. So so many more apartments for rent. Finally!

Mercy!

* http://stingnomore.com/
Sucker works

[TexasTowelie]

2. I try to avoid the tourist traps myself

or when I do visit I try to do it on off-days so the experience will be more pleasurable. I don't think that the AirBnb model was ever made to be such a large scale endeavor. When it goes from a few houses in town to entire neighborhoods hosting guests it diminishes the character of the neighborhood.

[mahina]

3. Same but when Waikiki beach is less crowded than our neighborhood beach,

When we can’t go beach or holoholo after 10 am, or go to neighborhood restaurants or cross the street without nearly being squished, it’s too much. And as always, who pays, who profits?

We all pay more for rent and people who bought houses to rent like hotels profit. No thanks. I’m happy to do all I can to make visitors trips happy. Just not destroy our neighborhoods.

Cheers Texas Towlie.

[RealityChik]

4. Kudos Mahina for perspective I never considered...

Last edited Sat Mar 14, 2020, 02:27 PM - Edit history (1)

As an expat, Airbnb has always given us the opportunity to stay (lodge) in the communities where we grew up and/or raised our families when we visit. But, I admit, that's a very selfish and short-sighted perspective when compared to Mahina's wisdom on a bigger problem for residents who live in these neighborhoods.

It makes me sad, but I get it.

And, mahalo, Mahina, for looking after those dumb tourists on bikes, risking their lives trying to get to Lanikai! The Kailua boat ramp was the "backyard" beach of my youth. Always thought that a biking adventure along that steep hill to Lanikai was an accident waiting to happen! Seeing as how you can't fix stupid, perhaps it's time for speed bumps to slow the cars down at least?