2024-04-17 Bill 121 Wendy J. Laros

Home

Kona = Kohala CHAMBER OF COMMERCE April 16, 2024 Leeward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3 Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE: Support for Transient Accommodations Rental Bills 121, 122, and 123 Dear Chair DeFranco and the County of Hawaii Leeward Planning Commission, Since our establishment in 1968, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce has worked to enhance the quality of life for our community through a strong, sustainable economy on Hawaii Island. With over 460 member businesses and organizations, our mission is to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawaii. The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce brings the business community together to address key issues in our community, on our island, and in the state. Housing is a top priority for our organization. We support housing projects at all inventory levels in West Hawaii. This includes developing infrastructure to support more housing along with emphasizing improvements and clarity in Hawaii County's permitting processes. We support improvements in permitting, regulation, and enforcement of short-term vacation rentals, also called transient accommodation rentals (TARs). The Kona-Kohala Chamber supports the bills initiated by the Hawaii County Council regarding TARs. This includes Bill 121, relating to transient accommodations rentals and hosting platforms; Bill 122, relating to provisions for Bed and Breakfast establishments; and Bill 123, relating to accessory dwelling units. These bills aim to improve and clarify the permitting process and regulatory standards, which will ultimately strengthen our local economy and promote the well-being of our community. Sincerely, Wendy J. Laros, President and CEO Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce 75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 info@kona-kohala.com 1808-329-1758 1 www.kona-kohala.com