HI SR22

Requests the Auditor to conduct an analysis of the regulatory scheme proposed by H.B. No. 825 and S.B. No. 1237 (2015) for licensing and regulating transient vacation rentals, pursuant to section 26H-6, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Requires the Auditor to collaborate with the Department of Taxation and Hawaii Tourism Authority in assessing whether regulation is necessary to protect consumer health, safety, or welfare.

Directs the Auditor to review prior studies on this issue, including data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority study that identified 22,238 individually advertised vacation rental units in Hawaii.

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

Addresses concerns about the proliferation of unregulated vacation rentals, lost tax revenues, ineffective enforcement policies, and potential tourist fraud schemes.