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From: russ(�Ocloudburstoroductions.net <br /> To: WPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Reassessing Bill 121:A Call for Consideration of Short-Term Rental Contributions <br /> Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 1:40:04 PM <br /> Subject:Reassessing Bill 121:A Call for Consideration of Short-Term <br /> Rental Contributions <br /> Chairman Dennis Lin <br /> Windward Planning Commission <br /> County of Hawai'i <br /> 25 Aupuni St. <br /> Unit 1502 <br /> Hilo,HI 96720 <br /> Aloha Chairman Lin, <br /> As a short-term rental host since April 2017,I am reaching out to <br /> express my concems regarding Bill 121.Over the past 7 years,I have <br /> not only contributed to the local economy through diligent payment of TA <br /> and GE taxes but have also played a significant role in supporting <br /> HawaiTs tourism industry. My efforts have helped thousands of visitors <br /> enjoy their stay on the Big Island without the high costs associated <br /> with hotel accommodations. <br /> The service I provide has been crucial in making Hawai'i accessible to a <br /> broader audience.This,in tum,has had a positive impact on our local <br /> economy.Visitors who stay in short-term rentals like mine contribute to <br /> the community by dining in restaurants,purchasing local goods,and <br /> participating in paid tours,among other activities.This ripple effect <br /> supports a wide range of businesses and contributes to the economic <br /> vitality of our island. <br /> Given the substantial benefits that short-term rentals offer to both the <br /> local community and visitors,I am deeply concemed about the potential <br /> impacts of Bill 121.I fear that the proposed regulations may not only <br /> jeopardize the livelihoods of hosts like myself but also diminish the <br /> accessibility of Hawai'i to a broader range of visitors. <br /> Therefore,I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider <br /> the following: <br /> 1. Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the <br /> contributions of short-term rentals to our economy. <br /> 2. Recommend the removal of restrictive and invasive registration <br /> requirements that could hinder the operation of short-term rentals. <br /> 3. Ensure that regulations do not unfairly penalize responsible <br /> hosts who have consistently contributed to the county's revenue and <br /> tourism industry. <br /> By addressing these concems,we can ensure that short-term rentals <br /> continue to play a vital role in HawaiTs tourism and economy, <br /> benefiting both residents and visitors alike. <br />