2024-04-01 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Josilyn Vassau Testimony

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From: Josilyn Harsh To: WPCtestimonv Subject: Bill 121 Testimony Date: Monday,April 1,2024 4:54:40 AM Aloha Chairperson Lin and Members of the Windward Planning Commission, I am writing to discuss a concern of substantial importance to our family's short-term rental operation, and to the guests who frequent our establishment, within the context of the proposed Bill 121. My husband, Parker Vassau, also sent in written testimony. Our guests, whom we have the pleasure of hosting throughout the year, often seek to enhance their stay with various local services. It is a point of pride for us to recommend the best of what our local professionals offer, be it a massage therapist, yoga instructor, or a private chef. These services, while organized independently by our visitors, are a fundamental component of the overall experience at our property. Regrettably, the current draft of Bill 121 presents a critical issue where the frequent, personalized services enjoyed by our guests could inadvertently be categorized as "events." Such a misclassification would impose an unwarranted bureaucratic encumbrance,potentially dissuading guests from partaking in what are readily accessible services to all residents on the Big Island. In our experience, guests do not engage these professionals for public or commercial events but for private, often essential services that enhance their personal and familial well-being. It is not uncommon to have visitors coming to Hawaii specifically to heal and balance their lives. To conflate these private engagements with public events would seem to me to be a misinterpretation of the bill's intent and a misrepresentation of the activities conducted. I urge you to consider an amendment that will provide a clear exemption for these types of services. In an effort to provide solution-based recommendations, here is a potential amendment to the definition of Gathering: ""Gathering" means an informal congregation typical of residential areas, such as a picnic, yoga session, family dinner, or small birthday party. Professional services engaged by the residents or guests for their private enjoyment, such as in-home dining services, individual wellness sessions, or personal enrichment activities, are considered part of such gatherings, provided they are not publicly advertised or available and where the attendees stay within the parking area accompanying a transient accommodation rental." Your actions in this matter will have a profound impact. By fostering an environment that continues to allow the hiring of local professionals without the risk of misclassification, you will support not only the local economy but also the health, comfort, and satisfaction of ourselves and our guests all of which are pillars of our community's reputation as a premier destination. We appreciate your dedication to thoughtful legislation and trust that you will take this recommendation under earnest advisement. Sincerely, Josilyn Vassau