2024-05-15 Bill 121 Rebecca Rawls

Home

From: Rebecca Rawls To: LPCtestimonv Subject: Urgent Need for Comprehensive Study on Bill 121"s Economic Impact Date: Wednesday,May 15,2024 12:09:30 PM Chairperson Barbara Defranco Leeward Planning Commission West Hawaii Civic Center Council Chambers, Building A 75-5044 Ane Keohokaloe Highway Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Aloha Chairperson Defranco, I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impact on our local economy, particularly the vacation rental industry. This industry is not just a small part of our island's economy; it contributes over $1.1 billion in economic impact to the Big Island. Given this significant contribution, it is both surprising and concerning that a bill proposing to regulate this industry has been put forward without a comprehensive, independent, and academically rigorous economic impact study. During the Leeward Planning Commission meeting, Heather Kimball acknowledged the necessity of such a study. This acknowledgment underscores the complexity and potential impact of Bill 121 on our community and economy. It is clear that there is not enough time to conduct a thorough point-by-point evaluation of this bill. Therefore, I strongly urge the commission to send the bill back with a recommendation to conduct the necessary study and to rework its language accordingly. Furthermore, it is crucial that a member of the vacation rental industry be included in discussions when the commission engages in questions and answers about the bill. The current lack of industry representation is a significant concern and a major reason for the public's upset regarding this bill. Inclusion, transparency, and thorough analysis are essential to ensure that any regulation of the vacation rental industry is fair, effective, and beneficial to all stakeholders involved. Mahalo, Rebecca C Buffington-Rawls 77-111 Nahale Place