It is our understanding that the Planning Department is about to announce a policy of "pro-active" enforcement against TVRs, using the internet and other data bases to identify operations. To deal with this we must stand together and use our collective resources to best advantage. Immediate expansion of MVRA's mode of operation is required. The General Membership meeting this coming Tuesday, Mar. 6, at 6:30 PM at the Ha'iku School Cafeteria will be devoted to discussing and initiating the necessary changes.

Because we must cover so much ground on Tuesday evening, we are postponing the election of Board members which we had hoped to include in the meeting agenda. At a minimum, here is what must be accomplished at the meeting:

1. Acceptance of MVRA membership applications and annual dues;
2. Member sign-up for serving on committees;
3. Briefing and discussion of strategic options regarding pro-active enforcement;
4. Briefing and discussion regarding the evolution of MVRA.

Let's consider these objectives one by one...

1. Membership applications and dues.
A membership application and dues schedule are attached to this message. If possible, please print and complete the Membership Application form before you arrive. Otherwise, forms will be available at the door when you arrive for the meeting.

We must begin collecting dues. MVRA can no longer continue in reliance on the generosity of a minority of members, in response to our periodic appeals for voluntary contribution. We are consulting litigation specialists, interviewing a lobbyist, and in need of a paid Executive Director to carry out daily functions.

The tasks we must face require regular and predictable cash flow. We have done our best to create a dues schedule which is fair to all. Please remember that everyone has already benefited from thousands of hours of time and energy contributed by a handful of individuals over the past five years.

Everyone will need to complete an application form and pay dues, in order to be admitted to the meeting on Mar. 6. This includes the Directors and Officers who have served MVRA as volunteers since the beginning. The only exception to this requirement may be made in the rare case of extreme hardship. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you must submit your application form and dues by mail in order to continue receiving communications from MVRA. Mahalo for your understanding.

In filling out the application, you will be asked to choose the membership category which best describes your operation. Eventually, five MVRA directors will be elected --one director from each of these categories.

The amount of dues is not related to the category of membership. It is related to the size of the operation, such as the number of guest bedrooms in use.

2. Member sign-up for serving on committees.
The volume and diversity of work which will be required to educate the public and influence the political climate for our industry is huge. Your officers and directors cannot accomplish it by themselves. In fact, the five of us must actually reduce our direct involvement with the day-to-day management of countless details. Instead, we must focus on developing policy objectives and directing others in working to achieve them. This is the best use of our time and abilities.

Once you have submitted your membership application and dues, we will ask you to sign up to participate on at least one of the following four committees: Fund-raising & Membership; Web-Site Development; Public Relations/Community Service; Political Action. For us to accomplish anything further, MVRA needs your active support. After people have finished signing up for committee work, the meeting will proceed to the next agenda item...

3. Briefing and discussion of strategic options regarding pro-active enforcement.
It is our goal that everyone arrive at an understanding of the various possible scenarios we might anticipate, along with our choices and possible outcomes.

4. Briefing and discussion regarding the evolution of MVRA.
MVRA is at a critical juncture: it must either evolve or dissolve.

To evolve, the organization must grow, gathering members who have been hiding up until now, and drawing on the strengths of members who have been "passive" until now. We must become a well-organized, recognized and respected voice in the community. We must align ourselves with businesses and community service organizations where there is potential for mutual benefit. We must become effective politically. With this approach we can accomplish much good for all concerned.

The alternative is for MVRA to dissolve, leaving each person to face impending challenges alone. In weighing this choice, please admit to yourself that being "invisible" to the County is a just a foolish fantasy. The Kauaian Institute identified 1000 short-term rental units on Maui through internet searches in 2005, accounting for most of us who advertise on the web. What the Kauaian Institute can do, County inspectors can do. Furthermore, information held "in confidence" by the Kauaian Institute could be obtained by the County through a court process. Since we are not "invisible" anyway, doesn't it make more sense to stand up together for our industry?

Aloha,
David