HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.053 2022-2024 From: Sam Hawala _
Sent: Monday,January 22, 2024 12:58 PM ` '`am'' Qc,'3
To: Council Testimony
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Subject: Letter to Hawaii County Regarding Short-Term Rentals
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To the Honorable Members of the Hawaii County Council, J
My name is Sam Hawala, and I am a proud resident of Big Island and the owner of"Ohana House," a
unique and eco-friendly short-term rental property. I am writing to express my deep concerns about
the potential impact of the proposed new regulations on short-term rentals (STRs) on myself, my
family, and the broader community.
Since building our self-sufficient and energy-independent home in 2018, we have been fortunate to
share it with countless island visitors through Jade, our trusted rental manager. "Ohana House" is
more than just a place to stay; it is a name that captures the spirit of our home and the warmth we
extend to our guests. We strive to offer a truly immersive experience, one that resonates with the
values of family, nature, and sustainability.
Beyond the unique architecture and stunning natural surroundings, "Ohana House" boasts an
invaluable resident in Jade. She is a well-known spiritual healer within our community, her gentle
spirit and intuitive wisdom radiating outward to every visitor. Her presence offers guests an
opportunity for quiet reflection, inner exploration, and spiritual connection that many describe as the
highlight of their trip.
For the past six years, we have consistently received glowing reviews from our guests who come
away enriched by their stay. Some recent examples include:
."[Quote 1: Detailing the unique experience and spiritual connection achieved at Ohana
House, mentioning Jade's role]
"The Ohana house was built with the intention of families
coming together, enjoying nature, celebrating, relaxing, and
finding enjoyment in each other's company.That's exactly
what we did! My family enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the lava
field, cooked a marvelous meal, and stargazed under the
Milky Way. We found the stay to be a very unique, beautiful,
and spiritual experience. The following morning, we DIYed a
wedding right on the lava field. Volcano as our witness, lava
field as a bridesmaid, wild weed as our rings. The rain came
down and a rainbow came out. Everything was truly a.• ic� l
1 Comm. N..1, ``'rr��'�
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JAN 2 3 2024
at the Ohana house. The time went slower than usual. The
rooms are beautifully designed. We enjoyed meeting Jade,
who truly had the heart of a radiating lotus."
•"[Quote 2: Highlighting the family-friendly amenities and overall satisfaction, including Jade's
warm hospitality]. "
Amazing! Highly recommend it! Our kids even mentioned that
it was their favorite part of the whole trip. We enjoyed our stay
thoroughly. It had everything we needed and more. We
especially appreciated the kids books and toys. Thank
you, Jade!
These testimonials speak not only to the beauty and sustainability of"Ohana House" but also to the
profound impact Jade has on the guest experience. She is a cherished neighbor, a trusted friend to
many, and an unexpected yet integral part of what makes "Ohana House" so special.
I understand the need for responsible regulations to ensure the sustainability and livability of our
communities. However, I urge you to carefully consider the potential consequences of overly
restrictive measures on responsible and eco-conscious hosts like myself, and the valuable resources
we offer, like Jade's unique expertise.
I believe that well-crafted regulations can strike a balance between protecting our communities and
enabling responsible operators like us to continue contributing positively to the visitor experience and
local economy, both through sustainable accommodations and the unexpected gifts offered by
individuals like Jade.
I stand ready to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Council to find solutions that ensure a thriving
future for both residents and responsible short-term rentals in Hawaii County.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sam Hawala
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