HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.130 2022-2024 COUNT T Y CL E rtN
COUNTY OF NM/Ai;
Hawaii County Testimony BilL121
CON JAN2a p 3: 4Li
I'm writing today in strong opposition to Hawaii County Bill 121. I have been a farmer on the Big
Island for almost 20 years. I purchased my farm in Honaunau in 2007 and spent the next 8
years working to build a diversified and economically profitable farm. One of my primary goals
was to prove that diversified small-scale agriculture was financially sustainable, therefore
inspiring others to embrace the model of diversified regenerative agriculture. It was to my
dismay that I was not successful in this venture. Not only was it not financially successful, but
the amount of stress and long hours almost stole my passion for farming.
In 2013 I was told about this new platform called Airbnb. I listed one of the rooms in my house
on the platform and soon saw the potential to supplement my small farm income with a more
significant source of revenue. One listing eventually became several listings which really finally
allowed me to cover my farm expenses with on-farm activities.
It wasn't until COVID forced me to close my botanical business in Kona that I became
completely dependent on my Airbnb business to pay all of my farm and property expenses. If
Bill 121 passes as is I will no longer be able to afford to operate my farm successfully.
We've now been an Airbnb host for 13 years, have over 650 reviews, and are continuously a
super host with an average rating of 4.85. We have never once had a complaint from any of our
neighbors and have inspired many other farmers to diversify their operations with this eco-
tourism option to help make their operations profitable. We give tours of the farm to many of our
guests and inspire them with information on local and native plants. As guest on the farm, they
have a better understanding of Big Island living and the delicate nature of our ecosystems. Do
we not want to be better at informing our guests and inspiring them?
The regulations of Bill 121 would not only force me to consider selling due to lack of opportunity
and profit it would also absolutely change the experiences visitors and guests would be able to
have. Economic experts estimate one dollar spent in the local economy has a multiplying effect
worth $7 of local buying power compared with 1 dollar spent at a corporate franchise such as a
hotel. I do understand the need to regulate some short-term vacation rental situations,
especially in residential areas. I am in support of certain aspects of regulating off-island
investors purchasing homes to use as businesses and investments. For those who have lived
on island for many years and created a life here with the support of STVR as a main or
supplemental income, we should not have to choose to potentially leave the island due to over-
regulation.
I would suggest many changes to Bill 121 if this bill moves forward. Firstly, if a rental is a
primary residence and hosted we should not be subject to registration fees. The farm is just
breaking even. Any additional fees would be burdensome and risk putting our operation back in
the red. We also should not have our homeowner's exception for property taxes changed. I
farm over 5 acres and use only a small percentage of my property for rentals. Changing my
property tax status would force me to pay twice or three times the property taxes on an
operation that only makes ends meet. Another aspect of the Bill that I am strongly in opposition
to is the County Council dictating which home/structure I can live in. I am a single person and
do not need to live in a 3 bedroom house which is currently being proposed in the current
bill. This seems like a large overstep of government and my own private property rights.
I invite any County Council member to meet with us farmers to talk about why farming has not
been profitable as a main source of income on this island. It would be a shift in paradigm to
actually have some support from the county council for small-scale agriculture. If this council
really wanted to make an impact you would create a carve-out for eco-tourism and ag-tourism
Comm. No. U S b0
Ref. To:
Ref. Date JAN 2 3 2024
that would allow farm stays to be a crucial and integral part of how our local economy is
supported.
Regulating another aspect of how we can use our land and create income is not the solution.
I ask you once again to please stand in strong opposition to Bill 121 as currently written. Please
support your long-term county residences to have viable businesses without over-regulation.
Mahalo for your time,
Steve Sakala
Owner Honaunau Farm