HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.383 2022-2024P powo
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From: Madeleine Loewen
Sent: Friday, July 5, 2024 2:25 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Urgent Need for Comprehensive Study on Bill 121 Impact
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Chairperson Heather Kimball
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Hawaii County Council
County Building
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25 Aupuni Street
11c;
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha Chairperson Kimball,
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I would like to express my strong opinion that we need to carry out a thorough study to see how Bill 121 will impact
our island's economy and the families who call it home.
Hawaii families are struggling already with the rising cost of living, in the event that Bill 121 is carried out many
families who use STVRs to be able to afford to live on the Big Island would no longer be able to live here.
Many farmers supplement their income with unique stays on their property. We need to calculate the impact on
this population. It is impossible for farmers to make sufficient income with farming alone, could Bill 121 force
many to abandon producing local produce, thus leaving tocal people increasingly dependent on imported goods?
Many tourists love the rustic and rural Hito-side of the Big Island. If we take away vacation rentals we are also
taking away tourists as there is no -where for them to stay. This would painfully affect the economic structure that
depends so heavily on bringing many tourists to Hilo.
I am deeplyconcerned about Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our local economy,
particularly the vacation rental industry. This industry is a significant contributor to the Big
Island's economy, providing more than $1.1 billion in economic impact. Given the
magnitude of this contribution, it is crucial that any regulations imposed on this sector are
carefully considered and based on solid evidence.
It has come to my attention that during the Leeward Planning Commission meeting, you
agreed to conduct a comprehensive, independent, and academically rigorous economic
impact study. This is a step in the right direction. However, the current timeline and
approach to Bill 121 do not allow for a thorough evaluation of this complex and impactfu
bill.
To ensure that the legislation reflects the best interests of all stakeholders, I urge you to
send the bill back with a recommendation to conduct the promised study and re -work the
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language. Additionally, it is vital to include a member of the industry at the table during
the commission's question and answer sessions. The absence of industry representation is
a significant concern and contributes to the public's apprehension towards this bill.
Incorporating these measures will help ensure that any changes to the vacation rental
industry are beneficial to our economy, residents, and visitors alike. I implore you to
consider these things.
Mahalo,
Madeleine Loewen
PO Box 235, Hakalau, HI 96710
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