2024-04-03 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Megan Isaac Testimony

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From: Megan Isaac To: WPCtestimony Subject: OPPOSITION TO BILL 121 Date: Wednesday,April 3,2024 4:03:28 PM Attachments: Testimony in opposition to Bill 121.odf Testimony in opposition to Bill 121 Date:4/3/24 To:Windward Planning Commission From:Megan Isaac Magdalene,Hilo resident and STR Operator(12 years) Aloha. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that this legislation is likely the most fiscally irresponsible legislation ever to appear before your Commission.It's unethical and it's also illegal and will result in multiple law suits since it involves interference with property rights. Hosting is the largest industry sector: Given that there have been no successful initiatives to bring in new industry or employment'at scale'to the island in a few generations(besides tourism),it is shocking that a Council would lean in so heavily to regulation and restrictions on the one industry that has provided income and generated economic activity throughout the island. A study done by Grassroots Institute on the$350 million value to the island economy is cited here: . https://www.grassrootinstitute.org/2023/03/hawaii-county-should-be-wary-of-short-term-rental-ban-kent-says/ Spending patterns of visitors favor the island when they choose hosted stays: Living in the city of Hilo with one of the poorest demographics in the entire USA(**reference is to census data) we are aware of how essential tourism is to East Hawaii. Why is this being ignored?It is well documented that the spending pattems of visitors staying in our communities is completely different from the spending pattem of guests in resorts and large hotels. Bill 121 if passed will harm the economy: The point was clearly made that Bill 121 will be devastating to an extremely vital sector. The testimony given was about the ways Bill 121 will harm the economy. STRs are also essential to our farming communities and to our economy as a whole.It is easy to acknowledge that our economy lacks diversity. It would be better if the island's economy was more robust and did not rely so heavily on tourism but let's not take away the means that farmers have to supplement their income. A study done by UHHERO about the cause of high housing costs being rooted in over regulation is here: https://uhero.hawaii.edu/measuring-the-burden-of-housingregulation-in-hawaii/ Testimony presented to all Council-members on 1/23/24 has been like an economics lesson you would give 3rd graders on the subject of'how our economy works.'It appeared extremely disrespectful that in the Council meeting so much testimony in opposition to this bill(from many sectors:residents,owner operators,attorneys,farmers and realtors)was dismissed and ultimately has been ignored to this point. Here are further concerns about Bill 121: . Listening to discussion afterwards amongst several council members revealed hostility toward STR operators and a bias in their approach that is extremely concerning and not based in reality.A divisive narrative about the STR hosting community bearing responsibility for unaffordable housing is not bom out by facts but has served to polarize the community and hide the harm that will be caused if Bill 121 passes. . The authors of Bill 121 have commissioned no studies of the impact and yet a majority of the