HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.058 2022-2024 From: Richard Ingram
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2024 10:54 AM
To: Council Testimon (7,Y Pc-)
Subject: Comment - Bill 121 c �`
N.) -E—t
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Thank you for taking my comments and for your service. �. - •
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Please refer to Section 25-4-16.17, Transient Accommodation Rental Operation Standprds;;rn
(G) Quiet Hours. The proposed amendment to the existing law would change quiet hbors from
the current 9PM to 8AM to the proposed 8PM to 7AM.
Hawaii Administrative Rules Section 10-7, Night Regulations, regulate quiet time noise
between 10PM and 7AM. A sounder approach would rectify the inequity resulting from the
existing law and to treat all people the same — both residents and visitors to the Island — and
set the quiet hour rules to align with the rules that the police department is asked to enforce
for all of us.
The sun sets in summer in Kailua-Kona after 7 PM. Then begins twilight. Astronomical twilight
ends at darkness. During the last days in June that time is 8:29 PM for Kailua-Kona.
Sunsets in Hawaii are more than just sunsets. They are part of Hawaiian culture. It is a time to
pause, to be in awe of the natural beauty of the Island, to give thanks, to let go of what
happened during the day and to look toward a new beginning tomorrow. The Pu blows, we
stop our day and the sun sets. All over the Island families gather on their lanai's and have their
evening meal in the twilight. They share their food and their stories of the day.
This daily ritual plays out after the sun has set. As a family we enjoy the sunsets together and
take that time to be thankful. Customarily our meal, always eaten on the lanai, often finishes
before but close to 9PM.
When I have guests staying at my home, I ask each one of them, prior to booking their stay, if
they are comfortable with and willing to comply with Hawaii's vacation rental laws that
stipulate quiet hours between 9PM and 8AM. If they waiver in their commitment, I don't rent
to them. I indicate that for my home, since we are in a quiet neighborhood and voices carry,
that all outdoor conversations be brought indoors by 9PM.
While I believe that the existing law is discriminatory and the time should be changed to
10PM, at least by 9PM our guests can, as a practical matter, mark the end of their day with the
sunset and have their evening meal on the lanai and then head indoorta,PN.
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Dote JAM
I truly believe we are all guests on this special island. I remember the spirit of those first to
paddle and sail here each time I get in the va'a'. There are so many things that make the island
special to me, whether it is in the va'a' with my club, swimming in the bay, a sunset or talking
story on the lanai with my family and friends as the day closes.
Hawaii should be fair to all people and neighborhoods should be allowed to be a real
neighborhoods — not just homes for the retired migrants from the mainland who think their
neighborhood should be a retirement community where 8 PM is bedtime!
Sincerely,
Richard Ingram
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