(AP) — The number of Hawaiʻi properties listed as short-term vacation rentals has declined by as much as half compared with last year. The drop is likely the result of the pandemic and new restrictions on the industry. Hawaii Public Radio reports that the number of properties used as vacation rentals has declined on all of the state’s islands. Oahu and Maui county officials increased legal restrictions on short-term rentals and penalties for violators in 2018. The constraints and penalties likely combined with the pandemic to produce the supply decrease. Although fewer people have visited Hawaii since the pandemic began, their visits have lasted longer.

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