StarBulletin.com

City cites Hauula property owner allegedly running illegal rentals


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POSTED: Friday, August 21, 2009

City officials have cited a Hauula property owner for allegedly operating an illegal vacation rental business at a residence.

City Planning and Permitting Director David Tanoue said an inspector conducted a surprise visit at the Fanger Estates on July 31 and was able to talk with a couple married the night before and paying for their stay.

In a notice of violation filed Aug. 10, the city alleged Fanger rented the property for less than 30 days, making the operation a vacation rental and requiring a nonconforming use certificate.

Gary Fanger, representing Fanger Estates, said he hasn't seen the citation.

Fanger said he doesn't charge anyone for weddings but he does charge for rentals.

The citation follows a July 15 story in the Star-Bulletin looking into complaints by residents about the Fanger Estates and complaints in general about the advertising of illegal vacation rentals on the Internet.

Pending before the City Council for more than a year, critics say, is a bill that would require businesses to list their permit for operating a vacation rental or face a fine.

Besides operating in a residential area, the newspaper found the operation headed by San Francisco businessman Gary Fanger lacked final permits for plumbing and electricity in early July—approvals needed before occupying the structures.