Vacation rentals are among the most controversial issues here in Honolulu. Every time it comes up, folks on both sides have a whole lot to say.

Should they be regulated more stringently, preserving the residential quality of our neighborhoods? Or should the rules be loosened up, which would be a boon to the economy?

Normally a county issue, the Hawaii Legislature is now getting into it.

Hawaii Money Blog has the scoop:

Hawaii operators of transient vacation rentals and time shares would be required to include their tax registration number on all advertisements under a bill moving through the Legislature.

The number already is required to be “conspicuously displayed” at all times at the place of business. HB 2078 would further require:

The registration identification number shall be displayed conspicuously in all advertisements and solicitations regarding the place for which the registration is issued.

The state Tax Department supports the measure, testifying that it “will aid transient accommodations tax compliance.” Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting also testified in support, saying the move would “add another source of public information that can be used by State and City enforcement agencies in support of their arduous task of conducting regulatory enforcement.”

The bill is scheduled for decision making Monday.