Hawaii’s verdant volcanic peaks and crystalline waters have made tourism the state’s biggest industry. But not all Hawaii residents are thrilled by the millions who flock to their shores.

They complain that some of the visitors renting homes and rooms in their residential neighborhoods create noise, drive up home and rental prices and destroy the sense of community.

“When you live in a place like Hawaii that is a resort 24-7, you need areas where people can feel at home,” said Katherine Bryant-Hunter, chairwoman of a neighborhood board on the island of Oahu. “Our neighbors change everyday. They don’t coach volleyball. They don’t go to church with us. They are not part of the community fabric.”

Their concerns have led to a flurry of proposals by lawmakers on Oahu, Maui and Kauai. The legislators are trying to address what they say is a proliferation of short-term rentals that are operating without required county approval.

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(Source: Sudhin Thanawala, Associated Press via The Washington Post)