HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 146 2024/07/09 (2022-2024) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: July 9, 2024 Re: Comm.No. 928/Res. No. 556-24
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 556-24, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 556-24, introduced by Council Member Ashley L. Kierkiewicz via Communication
No. 928, dated June 21, 2024, requests the Department of Research and Development to procure a
comprehensive study on the economic and fiscal impacts of the transient accommodation rental
industry in Hawai`i County.
This resolution seeks an assessment and analysis of rental listings including available rentals,
occupancy rates,pricing, geographic distribution,market value of the land/buildings,proximity of
owners, number of structures, and other key metrics; economic contributions of the transient
accommodation rental industry to Hawai`i County's economy; the impact of housing availability and
affordability for Hawai'i County residents; and the potential feasibility of conversion to long-term
housing.
Hawai`i County Research and Development Director Douglass Adams and Finance Director
Diane Nakagawa were present in the Hilo Chambers to comment on and answer questions about the
resolution.
Member Holeka Goro Inaba explained that he would like to focus on the Hawai`i County-specific
economic impact of the transient accommodation rental industry. He then referenced the
Department of Research and Development's 2024-25 Operating Budget and asked if funding is
available for this study under the Hawaii Island Tourism and Destination Management line item.
Director Adams responded that the use of those funds is a possibility.
Member Sue L. K. Lee Loy expressed her support for the resolution and suggested that the study
include a"crosswalk", which would help legislators to accomplish the goals and objectives of their
decision-making based on the data found.
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Member Heather L. Kimball explained that the benefits of hosting a short-term vacation rental
versus that of a long-term rental pressures rental rates and the overall market in Hawai'i County and
suggested that an amendment be made to the scope of the study.
GOEAC Report No. 146
GOEAC-146 Page 2 July 9.2024
Member Rebecca Villegas concurred with Member Kimball and mentioned that a phrase regarding
the impact of housing costs be added.
Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder expressed his concern to Director Adams, inquiring about the
department's ability to conduct this study, which would define future legislation by the deadline.
Director Adams felt confident that a usable document would be produced by February 2025, by
hiring an economist from outside of the County.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose and
intent of Resolution No. 556-24, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EVANS X
GALIMBA x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
INABA x OPERATIONS AND
KAGIWADA x EXTFNAL AFFAIRS
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x CINDY EZ1S, CHAIR
LEE LOY X GOEAC REPORT NO.: 146
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JUL 2 4 2024