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From: Kristin Moreland <br /> To: LPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Concerns Over Government Overreach and Housing Impact of Bill 121 <br /> Date: Monday,April 15,2024 12:10:20 PM <br /> Chairperson Barbara Defranco <br /> Leeward Planning Commission <br /> County of Hawai'i <br /> 25 Aupuni St. Unit 1502 <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Aloha Chairperson Lin &Commission Members, <br /> I am reaching out to express my opposition to Hawaii Bill 121, specifically regarding the issues <br /> of government overreach and the misguided belief that it will lead to an increase in affordable <br /> housing availability. As a concerned resident, I believe it is crucial to address these points and <br /> recommend a more thoughtful approach to housing policy. <br /> Firstly, Bill 121 represents a significant overreach of government into the private lives and <br /> property rights of residents. The bill imposes stringent regulations on homeowners, dictating <br /> how they can use their property to provide short-term accommodations. This not only infringes <br /> on private property rights but also sets a concerning precedent for future governmental control <br /> over personal assets. <br /> Secondly, the assumption that restricting short-term rentals will magically increase the stock <br /> of affordable housing is flawed. The issues surrounding housing affordability are complex and <br /> multifaceted, involving zoning laws, construction costs, and economic factors far beyond the <br /> scope of short-term rental regulations.Without comprehensive studies and data to support <br /> this claim, it is irresponsible to enact legislation that could have unintended negative <br /> consequences on our local economy and community character. <br /> In light of these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to: <br /> 1. Recommend that the County implement the regulations in another way that respects <br /> private property rights and considers the diverse needs of our community. <br /> 2. Recommend conducting an affordable housing study to truly understand the factors <br /> affecting housing availability and affordability in Hawai'i County, rather than making <br /> assumptions without evidence. <br /> 3. Recommend the removal of any rules or regulations that already exist in law, such as <br /> quiet hours and parking requirements, to avoid redundancy and focus on effective <br /> solutions. Further,to enforce the existing laws consistently and fairly across all <br /> properties in the County, including owner occupied homes and tenant occupied long <br /> term rentals. <br /> These recommendations aim to address the concerns of government overreach and the <br /> ineffectiveness of Bill 121 in creating more affordable housing. It is imperative that we <br />