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From: Elizabeth Jordan <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Bill 121 <br /> Date: Wednesday,April 3,2024 12:18:04 PM <br /> Subject: Reassessing Bill 121: A Call for Consideration of Short- <br /> Term Rental Contributions <br /> Chairman Dennis Lin <br /> Windward Planning Commission <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> 25 Au uni St. <br /> Unit 1502 <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Aloha Chairman Lin, <br /> As a resident of Hawaii and a short-term rental host since <br /> December 2011, I am reaching out to express my concerns <br /> regarding Bill 121. Over the past 12.5 years, I have not onl <br /> contributed to the local economy through diligent <br /> payment of TA and GE taxes but have also played a <br /> significant role in supporting Hawai'i's tourism industry. M <br /> efforts have helped thousands of visitors enjoy their stay on <br /> he Big Island without the high costs associated with hotel <br /> accommodations. <br /> The service I provide has been crucial in making Hawaii <br /> accessible to a broader audience. This, in turn, has had a <br /> positive impact on our local economy. Visitors who stay in <br /> short-term rentals like mine contribute to the community <br /> by dining in restaurants, purchasing local goods, and <br /> participating in paid tours, among other activities. This <br /> ripple effect supports a wide range of businesses and <br /> contributes to the economic vitality of our island. <br /> Given the substantial benefits that short-term rentals offer <br /> o both the local community and visitors, I am deeply <br /> concerned about the potential impacts of Bill 121. 1 fear that <br /> he proposed regulations may not only jeopardize the <br /> livelihoods of hosts like myself but also diminish the <br /> accessibility of Hawaii to a broader range of visitors. <br />