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From: MerryAnne Stone <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Bill 121 <br /> Date: Wednesday,April 3,2024 9:39:14 AM <br /> Chairman Dennis Lin <br /> Windward Planning Commission <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> 25 Aupuni St. <br /> Unit 1502 <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Aloha Chairman Lin, <br /> I hope this letter finds you well. I want to express my gratitude for the dedication and hard <br /> work of the council members. However, I must voice my concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121. <br /> While the intention behind regulating Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) is understood, I <br /> believe the approach taken by this bill may exacerbate existing issues rather than resolve <br /> them. <br /> The previous legislation surrounding STVRs has shown that once a bill is passed, making <br /> amendments or corrections becomes a challenging task. It is crucial that we learn from <br /> past experiences and ensure that any new legislation is thoroughly considered and <br /> addresses the concerns of all stakeholders effectively. <br /> One of my primary concerns with Bill 121 is the proposal to manage STVRs within the <br /> Planning Department. The Planning Department already has a broad range of <br /> responsibilities and challenges. Adding the complex task of STVR management to their <br /> workload may not be the most efficient or effective solution. Instead, I propose the <br /> establishment of a specialized department dedicated solely to the oversight and <br /> management of STVRs. This department would have the focus and resources necessary to <br /> address STVR-related issues comprehensively and fairly. <br /> MY Requests of the Planning Commission: DO NOT PASS THIS BILL ON! <br /> 1. Take STVR out of planning and create its own department, having all funds, registration <br /> and administration. STVR issues need to be centralized, such as police reports, illegal <br /> rentals. These complaints go to different county departments and are not connected to <br /> one property. <br /> 2. Planning director has conflicting issues and should not be the head of this department. <br /> 3. Please make STVR have their own on-site parking. <br /> 4. Turo operators are primarily used for vacation rentals. <br /> Turo needs to be included with the new STVR dept. <br /> Mahalo <br />