HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.154 2022-2024 From: Glenn Willson
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2024 10:15 AM )
To: Council Testimony; Glenn Willson .
Subject: Feedback on proposed transient accommodations legislation
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Aloha,
I am a Kau Resident who rents our ohana to many travelers from all over the world and we enjopa 100%5
star rating.We are able to take the time to show these travelers how to respect the aina, refer them to
great local restaurants, shops, coffee and other farms,farmers markets, etc that count on tourist
business.Without the rentals available in the Kau area,these travelers would be forced to stay in Kona,
Hilo etc which would be devastating to the local economy in Kau which is already recognized as one of
the most food and economically insecure areas in the state.We pay our quarterly/Annual TAT, GE, state
and county taxes,which are already the highest in the nation and bring in a very large, necessary income
for the state and county.
While most of us agree that non-resident non hosted rentals should be scrutinized, many of these
proposed changes in legislation would essentially put most of the Short Term rentals in Kau out of
business and most of us, as evidenced by all the objections,would not rent long term as the laws are
way to tenant friendly in Hawaii. All one has to do is look at the Oahu legislation which has NOT equated
to lower rents, lower home prices, or more available rentals.What the Oahu legislation has done, is
made the hotels happy, made it so locals are unable to supplement their income, and made it so Hawaii
residents have limited lodging options when they Island hop.
I think I speak for most of us in Kau and other rural areas that NEED the supplemental income and tourist
income in order to make ends meet. If this legislation passes as is,you will see homes foreclosed on,
farms and other small business that won't survive, and economically insecure areas like Kau suffer. For
those spearheading these proposed changes to the legislation, is this really what you want your legacy to
be?
Thank you in advance for taking real local comments like this to heart before making changes that will
cause suffering to many local families and businesses.
Mahalo,
Glenn Willson
Comm. No. &•
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date tan! 2 3 2024