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The Maui County Department of Planning has levied a $500,000 fine against the owner and operator of three vacation rentals for a variety of violations.
The fines result from some 30 notices of violations of short-term rental home, special management area, zoning and building codes laws. According to the county, the violations include converting garages and a shed into sort-term rental rooms; renting more rooms than permits allowed, building a parking lot without a permit; building an enclosure that housed a propane tank and a water heater; and constructing building additions without permits.
The county began its investigation of Paia Inn, owned by Michael Baskin, in 2013 in response to complaints. Attempts were subsequently made to settle with Baskin in court and through mediation.
On Friday, the county announced an agreement between Mayor Alan Arakawa and the Maui County Council to levy the fine, which is to be paid in two installments. In addition, Baskin will be required to remove all illegal structures or obtain after-the-fact permits to bring them into compliance. Baskin will be subject to an additional $500,000 fine if the terms of the agreement are violated.
