HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.045 2022-2024 Testimony for Bill 121
Robert Golden
13-872 Malama Street
c C?
Pahoa, HI 967.78
'A'ohe hana nui ke alu 'la. No task is too big when done together by all. 71 '
-.., , 3
I and my partner have lived in Leilani Estates since August 2013. Fortunately,we did ncat-,
lose our home in the 2018 lava eruption.We operate two AirBnbs, one hosted and on our
adjoining property, one unhosted.As AirBnB superhosts, our mission is to provide our
guests, mostly tourists from mainland USA and around the world with a lived experience of
Aloha.The Island of Hawaii is our home and we, like other AirBnB hosts, love the
communities in which we live and want our County government to support us in our efforts
as we support them in promoting thriving communities on this island. As hosts,we provide
opportunities for tourists to use local services at the same time educate tourists how to
experience Hawaiian culture and places in a most respectful, pono manner.As hosts,this
is our Kuleana.
We take words like Aloha, Kuleana, and Ohana seriously.These are lived ideas, not cliches.
And we would like to be treated with the same respect by our County government. Reading
Bill 121 left us wondering whether the County views short-term vacation rentals hosts as
Ohana.We are not disputing the need to regulate this industry, but there are aspects of the
bill that we believe are overreaching:
• If the owner of the property chooses to live in the guest house and uses the main
house as a rental,why is that disallowed?Shouldn't a property owner be able to
make that decision?
• Why can't a host who owns a farm, use a farm dwelling for a hosted rental.Why is
the County curtailing the landowner from creating another income stream?
• Most tourists who choose short-term vacation rentals are seeking an
unconventional, non-hotel, indigenous experience that is close to the land.Yet,
such places would necessitate a nonconfirming use certificate secured prior to Jan
1, 2024. New nonconfirming use certificates are prohibited unless the Director of
Planning sees the need. Given the loss of hundreds of vacation rental in Puna due to
the lava flow, is the Director of Planning going to make such an accommodation?
• The fee structure has been doubled from the past. Is this fee structure similar to
and in proportion to the fee structure of other industries and services that t e
Comm. No.
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Ref. Date _i 4�N 2 3 2024
County regulates? Furthermore,what sensitivity exists to current hosts in lava zone
1 and 2 who have lost their insurance?
• Why are site drawings necessary if permitted structures are already documented in
terms of their footprint and layout on county tax records.The other specifications
that are requested could be added to those maps and submitted to the county.
• Why add the phrase"under penalty of perjury"to the requirement of a notarized
affidavit.Where's the trust?
• Quiet hours in Hawaii begins at 10pm.And yet for short-term vacation rentals, quiet
time begins at 8pm.Where's the equity?
• Signage for street address must include registration number.Why? Is this
overreach?
We hope this opportunity to revise the short-term vacation rental code will be conducted
in a manner that acknowledges the role that hosts play in creating a thriving, sustainable,
economy and at the same time supporting the distinctive Hawaiian values of Aloha,
Kuleana and Ohana.Thousands of visitors come to Hawaii to experience these qualities
and to enrich their way of life.As my Hawaiian kumus,Aunty Mahealani and Uncle Harry
Jim, often told me, Hawaii has a sacred purpose to spread Aloha around the world. Let us
work together so both the County and hosts experience each other as partners in this
endeavor. `A`ohe hana nui ke alu 'ia. No task is too big when done together by all.