Registration as a STR
When did Registration become available and when is the deadline?
Registration became available online at our STR website starting October 24, 2022.
There is no deadline to register.
Who needs to register?
STRs are only permitted in resort-zoned areas, and as shown in Ordinance 22-7. Any owner or operator interested in renting out a unit within the STR-eligible areas for less than 30-days must register each unit to be rented for less than 30 days. Exceptions are:
1) Existing NUC holders do not need to register under the new registration system. Current NUC holders must renew their NUCs annually between September 1 and October 15.
2) Hotel and time sharing units (defined in the Land Use Ordinance Sections 21-10.1 and 21-5.640, respectively).
How can I verify that I am allowed to have a STR?
What if the STR License expires?
If you have a STR license that has expired, you may apply for a new registration. Effective date of the new license will be the date it is approved by the department. Operating without a valid STR license is a violation of Ordinance 22-7.
Can an STR operator use one registration form to cover multiple units?
Can I remove my property from the list of properties from the departments registration system so people cannot register my property as a STR?
Changes to an Owner/Operator of a Valid STR License
The property manager helping me operate my STR is changing. How do I update my STR operator?
Any change in ownership of the subject property or any change in the operator of the bed and breakfast home or transient vacation unit will require a new registration of the bed and breakfast home or transient vacation unit.
Nonconforming Use Certificates
What is a NUC?
“Grandfathered” transient vacation units and bed and breakfast homes that have been in operation since prior to October 22, 1986 and are permitted to operate as STRs.
How will NUC renewals change due to Ordinance 22-7?
Are NUCs transferable?
What are the requirements to renew a NUC?
Refer to Ordinance 22-7 to review the list of requirements.
Where can I find a list of NUCs?
What's the difference between the new registration for STRs and NUCs? Are they the same?
NUCs were issued under a registration process in the 1980s to allow certain existing STRs to operate as nonconforming uses. The registration process under Ord. 22-7 allows the owners of property in certain areas to establish new STRs, subject to the terms and operating requirements in Ord. 22-7.
What if I have a question about NUCs?
Tax Payments for STR
As a owner/operator, when and how do I register for taxes?
Any tax related questions should be directed to their respective office:
- General Excise Tax and Transient Accommodations Tax inquiries, should be directed to the State of Hawaii Department of Taxation(opens in a new tab).
- Oahu Transient Accommodations Tax inquiries, should be directed to the City and County of Honolulu Department of Budget and Fiscal Services(opens in a new tab).
Advertisements for STRs and NUCs
What does Ordinance 22-7 require in online advertisements?
- Advertisements for less than 30 day rentals must include the following:
1) STR registration license or NUC number, 2) The tax map key of the property. It is unlawful to advertise a dwelling for a rental period of less than 30 days unless the dwelling is registered or designated as a hotel. - Advertisements for rentals that are not registered or allowed by a NUC must also include the following statement: “this property may not be rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Rental prices will not be reduced or adjusted based on the number of days the rental is actually used or occupied.”
- Hotel and timeshare advertisements must include the tax map key for the property on which the hotel unit or timeshare unit is located.
How do I find my tax map key (TMK)?
Your TMK is identified in your real property tax bill. You may also use the City’s property records search(opens in a new tab) to find your TMK.
Reporting a Violation/Request for Investigation
Where may I file a complaint?
You may submit a complaint online. Include the following information in your report:
- The address of the subject property, including the apartment or unit number;
- All facts that cause the complainant to believe that a violation has occurred;
- The provisions of the Ordinance that the complainant believes are being violated; and
- The complainant’s name, phone number, email and a mailing address for follow-up contact from the department.
- If information provided is lacking and contact information is not provided, inspectors will not be able to proceed with an investigation.
What hours will the city hotline for community tipsters be working? Who will follow up on complaints?
Tipsters can provide information online for follow up by STR inspectors. Personnel are available during City business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.