HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.264 2022-2024From: Martina Wing
Sent: Friday, July 5, 2024 12:01 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject:
Bill 121 Economic Impact - Testimony
To
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Chairwoman Ashley Kierlciewicz
Policy Committee on Planning, land Use and Development
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County of Hawai'i
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25 Aupuni St."'
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Hilo, HI 96720
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Dear Chairwoman Kierkiewicz,
I am writing to express my continued concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our
local economy, particularly the vacation rental industry. TAR rentals are my primary source of income
and my retirement.
While the proposed amendments address many of the public's concerns, the bill is still complex and
overreaching and has little chance of actually creating meaningful housing opportunities in our county.
1. The vacation rental industry is a huge part of our island's economy; it contributes over $1.1 billion
(billion with a b) in economic impact to the Big Island. Given this significant contribution, it is alarming
that such a substantial regulation is being considered without a comprehensive, independent, and
academically rigorous economic impact study.
County Council Chair Heather Kimball acknowledged the necessity of conducting this study during the
Leeward Planning Commission meeting. She said, 'I'm not opposed atall."
Her acknowledgment underscores Bill 121's complexity and potential consequences for our community
and economy.
2. Furthermore, whenever new legislation is considered, industry experts and stakeholders know best
how it would affect them.
I wish the same in this instance. The absence of our industry representation in discussions is a glaring
oversight. Including a member from the industry in any Q&A sessions is crucial.
Our insights and expertise are invaluable in ensuringthatthe bill accurately addresses the concerns and
realities of the vacation rental sector. The current lack of industry representation significantly
contributes to the public's frustration with this bill.
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3. The fine schedule is excessive and exorbitant. It could easily bankrupt me as I offer TAR to make ends
meet.
4. No allowances are made for structures other than dwellings and ohanas. Anyone operating a TAR in a
tiny home, tent, yurt, cabin, motor home, camper, or other structure must cease operating or face fines
for violating this ordinance.
How do you address the income loss? It often is the deciding factor in whether one can afford to live
here.
Permitting those structures would be easy, but the broken permit system with 2-3 years of waiting time
needs to be fixed first.
I urge you to consider these points seriously and advocate for tablingthis bill until better solutions can be
obtained. Let's fix bigger problems, such as the building permit wait time, first before stifling our vital
vacation rental industry.
I continue to be worried.
Mahalo,
Martina Wing
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-987-8660
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