2024-03-31 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Julie Eliason & Robert Bjorquez Testimony

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From: Julie Eliason To: WPCtestimonv Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Bill 121 and Its Impact on Local Communities Date: Sunday,March 31,2024 5:49:48 PM Chairman Dennis Lin Windward Planning Commission County of Hawai'i 25 Aupuni St. Unit 1502 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Chairman Lin, We are writing to express our deep concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our local communities, particularly in terms of enforceability, inequity, and the transformation of neighborhoods. As residents deeply invested in the well-being of our community, we believe it is crucial to address these issues before moving forward with the bill. Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. Without adequate resources and manpower, the Planning Department may struggle to enforce the new regulations effectively, leading to uneven application and potential disregard for the law. This could inadvertently harm the very communities the bill aims to protect. Secondly, the bill introduces a level of inequity that cannot be overlooked. By imposing stringent regulations on short-term rentals, we risk disadvantaging local homeowners who rely on this income to afford their homes. This approach seems to disproportionately affect those without the means to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, further widening the gap between different socio-economic groups within our community. Lastly, the transformation of neighborhoods under Bill 121 could have unintended consequences. While the intention to preserve community integrity is commendable, the restrictions may lead to a decrease in the vibrancy and diversity that short-term rentals bring to our neighborhoods. This could result in a less welcoming atmosphere for visitors and potential long-term residents alike. Personally, we would be affected by a 160 day minimum rental period and it would put us out of business, making it difficult to afford our mortgage. Furthermore, many visitors who wish to stay outside of the resort areas, would not be able to afford a 160 day rental period and therefore would not be able to visit the island. The bill would have the unintended consequence of eliminating these visitors from the economic market. In light of these concerns, we respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations: Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of Bill 121 on local homeowners and the broader community. Recommend the removal of intrusive reporting requirements, which place an undue burden on property owners. Recommend streamlining the registration process to make compliance more accessible for all homeowners, regardless of their resource. We believe that by addressing these concerns,we can work towards a more equitable and effective approach to managing short-term rentals in our community.Thank you for considering my perspective on this important matter. Mahalo nui loa, Julie Eliason and Robert Bojorquez 59-123 Ka Nani Drive 8089874171