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From: Lily Tomaszewski <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Oppose Bill 121-Hawai'i County <br /> Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 11:14:33 AM <br /> To: <br /> WPCtestimony(@hawaiicount�.gov <br /> Subject: <br /> OPPOSE Hawaii Bill 121. <br /> Please consider Reevaluation of Bill 121's Impact on Local Families <br /> Chairman Dennis Lin <br /> Windward Planning Commission <br /> County of Hawai'i <br /> 25 Aupuni St. <br /> Unit 1502 <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Aloha Chairman Lin, <br /> I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and it's potential adverse <br /> effects on our local families and communities. It is imperative we first address the issues of <br /> Enforceability, Inequity, and the Transformation of Neighborhoods this bill might exacerbate before <br /> passing it into law. <br /> Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. There are several hosting platforms <br /> alongside of Airbnb and VRBO—such as Hipcamp, Craigslist, and Facebook which all advertise for <br /> STVR. Without proper resources and human allocation, the Planning Department may struggle to <br /> effectively manage and enforce the new regulations, leading to uneven application and potential <br /> neglect of other critical duties. No joke, in the last few weeks 1 have had two conversations with <br /> neighbors inspired to host their spaces as STVRs. One, remodeled his entire 2nd floor into (4) <br /> separate hosting rooms. Another, already running a hipcamp space is now going to host one on a <br /> neighbor's property, too. I said nothing, only listened to their passion to host for many reasons, <br /> financial, fun, flexibility. Folks have no clue about this new bill. Why? Nothing has been enforced <br /> from the previous Bil l 108. Enforce what's already on the books! <br /> Secondly, the bill introduces a level of inequity that cannot be overlooked. By imposing restrictions <br /> that disproportionately affect small homeowners and operators, we risk deepening the divide <br /> between different economic classes in our community.This not only goes against the spirit of aloha <br /> but also undermines the fabric of our community. Let's keep the good people of Hawaii County <br /> working. We want to work, we want to live in integrity and continue to be a contribution to this <br /> county. Help us do so by not passing this bill. I am a small business owner who takes pride in the <br /> small part I play as a taxpayer, aloha ambassador, and nearly retired senior citizen. I'm counting on a <br /> future where I still can contribute. Last year I made less than$19,000.00 hosting my humble <br /> Airbnb. I paid ALL my taxes and also work full time and paid ALL my taxes. Life on da island, as we <br /> say. I have had NO complaints regarding my Airbnb. It is hosted, I vette my guests, and I my guests <br /> seem to know Tutu is always watching. Responsible business owners should not be punished by <br /> this bill. <br /> Lastly, the idea being generated by supporters of 121, that the transformation of neighborhoods <br /> into areas dominated by short-term rentals could be detrimental, is an idea detrimental in and of <br /> itself. No concrete data has been presented to support these claims, it is premature to enact <br /> sweeping legislation that could have far-reaching negative impacts. <br />