2024-04-15 Bill 121 Lori Porter - Laserfiche WebLink

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Testimony in Opposition to Bill No 121 Bill No.121 seeks to eventually phase out short term rentals in Hawaii. This would Include those homes owned by long-time residents, such as myself, who have been contributing taxes and income to the Hawaiian economy for many years. Shouldn't it be every American's constitutional right to use your property in the manner YOU decide (NOT as demanded by the state government)? Do we really want the government to dictate how we can or can't use the homes we have cared for and paid dearly for? In my case, as with hundreds of other Hawaii resident owners, STR owners are retirees who have a limited fixed income and their rentals provide income which allows them to continue living here. It also provides us the opportunity to house, family and friends when they need arises. Such as during the pandemic, when my daughter was able to come from California to continue working remotely from Hawaii. If I was forced to have a long-term renter, as this bill would require, I wouldn't have had that option to meet the needs of my own family. I believe Governor Green and the legislature are being very shortsighted on this issue. They are failing to look ahead to all the ramifications of this bill. Please consider the following: 1 . Owners of STR pay a large amount of taxes (GET, State and County TAT). How will these funds be replaced if we no longer have this tax base available to you? Most likely it will be in raising taxes for all Hawaiian residents. 2. And what of all the local companies and sole proprietors (cleaners, gardeners, etc) currently providing services at these properties who would now be out of a job? 3. How will it affect Hawaii's tourism economy when visitors who can't afford the high hotel/resort prices, have no other more affordable lodging options available? They will most likely have to stop coming and we will become a destination for only the very wealthy. Is that what you want Hawaii to be? I do sympathize with the Maui fire victims. In fact, I am a volunteer with the Red Cross and have worked in the shelters in Lahaina. I've seen firsthand that these victims need to have a permanent home. But there has to be a better way than to take away the rights of homeowners who are living in Hawaii and have been paying taxes and supporting the economy and Hawaiian government for many years. As a compromise, could this bill be amended to include an exemption for resident homeowners? Those of us who are living in Hawaii and our STR property is our primary residence. I strongly believe that resident homeowners should be allowed to use their property as their individual family needs and financial needs dictate. Not as the government dictates to us. I hope that you will seriously consider my comments and not allow Bill No 121 to pass. Lori Porter TA-187-177-7792-01