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From: DEBORAH SHARP <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Written testimony opposing Bill 121 <br /> Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 4:29:08 PM <br /> I am opposed to Bill 121 for many reasons.This bill violates the private property rights and economic rights of our <br /> people. We all pay taxes and are valuable members to the County of Hawai'i.I have lived here 46 years.My five <br /> children were born here and so were my six grandchildren.I am a retired,professional and live on Social Security. <br /> There's no way I could pay my mortgage so I rented out a portion of my house as a hosted rental.It was the only <br /> way I could survive but finally I sold the property and now I am living in a Ohana in Puako. <br /> The county says they want to do away with Vacation Rentals because we need housing.Yet my affordable housing, <br /> an Ohana unit is being taken away from me.The planning department made the owner remove the stove from the <br /> unit and change it from a Ohana dwelling to a fourth detached bedroom. It makes no sense! There are two electric <br /> meters and there have always been a main house and a little one bedroom Ohana.The tax record shows that for the <br /> past 50 years. <br /> I am able to afford this Ohana because I perform host duties for the Vacation Rental in the main house.The draft of <br /> this bill states that the host must live in the main house which is ridiculous. That would not be a vacation rental,that <br /> would be called couch surfing,and not a viable economic solution. <br /> In order to survive here,the local people,and the kamaianas need a cottage industry in order to survive.Hosting <br /> people on vacation is the perfect solution.The tourists want this Aloha spirit that we offer.They do not want to stay <br /> in a hotel. <br /> Respectfully submitted, <br /> Deborah Roberts <br /> 69-1798 Puako Beach Drive, <br /> Kamuela HI 96743 <br /> 808-989-7773 <br />