KAILUA, Oahu, Hawaii -- Honolulu City Council members are considering taking action against thousands of illegal vacation rentals on Oahu.
Oahu's beach communities are filled with vacation rentals that appeal to tourists who want to escape Waikiki. However, only about 1,000 of the vacation rentals on Oahu are permitted.
"There is an awful lot of frustration in my community about illegal bed and breakfasts and transient vacation units in particular," Councilwoman Barbara Marshall said.
Marshall wants to crack down on illegal vacation rentals by making it a violation to advertise them, even on the Internet, without a permit number.
Longtime Kailua resident Non DeMello said illegal vacation rentals are disruptive.
"There is a party attitude of the people who are occupying the house. They don't care. They are on vacation. They are here to have a good time. There is an influx of additional cars, additional people," DeMello said.
Bed and breakfast supporters said they are less disruptive because owners have to live on the premises.
Tonic Bille is the president of the B and B and Vacation Rental Association. Bille favors allowing more vacation rentals governed by self-regulation.
"We totally understand the complaints. And, if there are any serious complaints out there, please let us help you," Bille said.
Marshall is also sponsoring a measure to allow homeowners to permit more bed and breakfasts in communities that want them.
"Right now there are only 59 legally permitted bed and breakfasts on Oahu. The majority are here in Kailua," she said.
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