After the overthrow of Lil’uokalani that would lead to the annexation of Hawai`i in 1898, swift “Americanization ” and colonial projects were enforced on the native population. The tourism we see today is a continuation and product of these projects. Since its colonization, Hawai`i remains one of the most popular tourist destinations. Hawai`i’s economy relies heavily on tourism, which accounts for approximately a quarter of it. All of this makes it an extreme example on the impact of tourism on local communities in Hawai`i, especially as the tools to conduct tourism evolve, like the introduction of Airbnb and other short-term vacation rentals (STRs) into Hawai`i’s hospitality services.
Airbnb, since its inception, has significantly altered the landscape of short-term rental markets around the world. Its presence in tourist-heavy areas like Lahaina and Honolulu has had notable impacts. Both Lahaina, located in Maui, and Primary Urban Center (PUC), on the island of Oahu, are major Hawaiian tourist destinations. These areas have historically had high real estate values, with a mix of luxury accommodations and more affordable living areas. The influx of Airbnb properties can have varied effects on such markets – potentially increasing property values, which can be both a positive (for property owners) and a negative (for long-term renters or community members).
Literature Review
The annotated bibliography for this research project provides a comprehensive compilation of scholarly works centered on the impact of short-term rentals (STRs) and the Airbnb effect on Hawaiian communities, housing, tourism, and regulatory approaches. These sources offer diverse perspectives and multifaceted insights, illuminating various aspects that help contextualize and guide the investigation into the implications of STRs on the Hawaiian neighborhoods of Lahaina and Honolulu.
The literature review encapsulates studies that scrutinize the repercussions of STRs on the socioeconomic landscape of Hawai`i. Agrusa’s research delves into the government’s response and legislative positions regarding STRs, emphasizing the varying consequences on communities, aligning with our exploration of Airbnb’s impact on Hawaiian neighborhoods. Additionally, Park and Agrusa’s work provides critical insights into the feasibility and sustainability of managing STRs, a crucial aspect when considering the potential limitations and negative effects on housing and community well-being.
Furthermore, Jordan and Moore’s study delves into the perceptions of transient vacation rentals (TVRs) among locals, shedding light on the dichotomy between positive economic impacts and concerns about changing communities. This resource presents the residents’ viewpoint, offering invaluable insights into how communities are affected, aligning with our research’s aim to understand the impacts on the local population.
Gold’s analysis, although not specific to Hawai`i, offers a broader understanding of the challenges posed by Airbnb, illustrating how it disproportionately affects local communities, leads to housing shortages, and exacerbates socio-economic disparities. Moreover, Tanaka and Lau’s critique underscores the racial discrimination issues associated with Airbnb, providing important considerations for the study’s focus on understanding the affected demographics.
In addition to understanding the impacts, the bibliography encompasses studies that explore potential solutions, such as the discussions in Wong’s article about the complexities of housing regulations and the perspectives of locals, contributing to a deeper understanding of the ongoing debates and legislative measures.
Overall, the literature review encompasses a spectrum of perspectives, providing a foundation for understanding the multifaceted challenges posed by STRs in Hawaiian neighborhoods. The collection of these sources aids in framing the research questions and guiding the investigation to comprehend the complexities of Airbnb’s influence on housing, communities, and the tourism industry in Lahaina and Honolulu.
Significance
Our team strives to understand the impact of short-term rentals (STRs) on Native Hawaiians because we want to understand how these rentals affect housing availability and the daily lives of Hawaiian natives. By examining this issue, we aim to help others understand the nuanced challenges faced by Native Hawaiians due to tourism, particularly the role of STRs in shaping and contributing to Hawai`i’s socio-economic landscape. This work aims to contribute valuable insights that extend beyond the conventional discourse on tourism’s effects, a discourse that has up until now vastly ignored native communities.
Traditional hotels are often situated in tourist-centric areas, but the emergence of Airbnbs in residential neighborhoods introduces a new dynamic. The project seeks to answer questions about the nature and extent of this impact. Does it result in rising housing costs? Does it alter the cultural fabric of neighborhoods? Are these listings spreading into residential neighborhoods rapidly? Are these listings owned by Native Hawaiians or by companies? By delving into these questions, we hope to understand the multifaceted consequences of STRs on Native Hawaiians and the broader community.
The evolution of STRs spurred by Airbnb has had untracked effects. It is important for one to understand these effects, especially when they relate to crucial human needs. Housing is undoubtedly one of these. Homelessness is a significant determinant of a population’s health because people who lack a home are more susceptible to contracting communicable disease, experiencing violence, being malnourished and experiencing mental health issues. This understanding is crucial for policymakers, community leaders, and residents alike, as it can inform more effective and equitable strategies for managing tourism and its associated challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute knowledge that empowers communities and facilitates informed decision-making in the face of evolving tourism trends.
