HI SCR50

Requests the State Auditor, in collaboration with the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Tourism Authority, to conduct a regulatory analysis of proposed transient vacation rental licensing and regulation bills (H.B. 825 and S.B. 1237).

Requires the analysis to assess whether proposed regulations are necessary to protect consumer health, safety, or welfare and whether full licensure or other restrictions should be adopted under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 26H-6.

Directs the Auditor to consider data from prior studies, including research contracted by the Hawaii Tourism Authority that identified 22,238 individually advertised vacation rental units in Hawaii.

Mandates the Auditor submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2016.

Responds to concerns about vacation rental market proliferation, inadequate enforcement, potential loss of state tax revenues, and tourist victimization by scammers.