Laserfiche WebLink
April 14, 2024 <br /> HAWAII LEEWARD PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Barbara DeFranco, Chair <br /> MEETING DATE: April 18, 2024 <br /> TIME: 9:30am <br /> PLACE: Kona <br /> RE: COMMENTS REGARDING <br /> BILL NO. 121-24 <br /> Dear Chair DeFranco and Committee Members: <br /> I am a full-time resident of Hawaii Island. I am also a landlord of a long-term rental as <br /> well as a permitted STVR owner. I use my short-term rental income ($498.19 per month after <br /> expenses) to offset the higher property taxes I pay because I rent a long-term unit on my primary <br /> property. <br /> I have repeatedly heard statements that suggest the public is `confused' or is `being fed <br /> misinformation' or being `taken advantage of by opponents of Bill 121. Setting aside the <br /> offensive nature of those statements, I assure you, while there may be some who do not <br /> understand the bill in its entirely (and this should be some indication that the bill is TOO <br /> complicated)the majority of the testifying public does in fact understand the Bill and that it will <br /> be harmful to them. <br /> With all due respect, I suggest that the drafters are the ones who underestimate the impact <br /> of the Bill as applied to our community. Simply because someone testifies that it will take away <br /> their ability to rent a space on their primary residence, doesn't mean they do not understand. <br /> More likely it means they have a scenario that does not qualify under the Bill's over complicated <br /> and burdensome criteria and that the drafters, who've never taken live questions or allowed for <br /> scenario discussion, really haven't contemplated the true impact of the bill. <br /> Statement: "If you are a resident of this county, you can start transient accommodation, on your <br /> property at any time . . .". <br /> Truth (if Bill 121 passes unamended): <br /> If you are a resident who is a long-term tenant,you CANNOT start a transient rental <br /> accommodation at any time, even if your landlord allows it. §25-4-16.2(c)(1). <br /> If you are a resident owner who resides in the guesthouse or detached bedroom on your <br /> property you CANNOT start a transient accommodation rental in your main home. §25- <br /> 4-16.1(a)(3). <br /> 1 <br />