HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0928.001 2022-2024p / G06AC,
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From:
Seth de Young 2
Sent:
Friday, July 5, 2024 7:30 AM
To:
Council Testimony
C-)
Subject:
Resolution 556, Pause 121
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Aloha Council,
Pass resotution 556
-
Pause 121
STVRs are an important part of our Eastside economy. They bring people to our side of the island to enjoy
our restaurants, shops, volcano. We emptoy carpenters, housekeepers, painters, roofers, handy people,
yard maintenance. This level of property management and employment is possible through the parttime
rental or our properties.
We are the front line of Destination Managment as we host our guests we provide Malama Pono input to
our visitors. This should be part of HTA and Hawaii County Destination Managment plans.
Bill 121 is heavy handed in the enforcement language and required reporting. While overall the concept
of registering STVRs is practical, for emergencies, visitor ambassador programs, connections with
chambers of commerce; there is already a heavy burden of paperwork and reporting in tax
administration.
The STVR apps also help self regulate - low ratings result in low occupancy. This is not seemingly
acknowledged.
My 100 year old neighborhood has many houses falling derelict as they are empty and owned mostly by
people who have inherited and perhaps want to come home. But three of them two streets over are
becoming overgrown, the other street has two that are susceptible to a fire hazard when squatter
occupied. Focus on these homes in your long term view of renting, and really focus on zoning.
The new Hamakua Plan that is misnamed as it includes North Hilo, keeps the same tow density zoning,
protectingthe gentleman farmers and is a missed opportunity for some high density housingwith
community centers and parks. We are doomed to continue to become a suburb of the west coast on the
path that we are on. They keep their lower property tax rate (ag)and are often not Hawaii residents. We
need to acceterate the conditions that support the abitity to develop lots for 20+ houses at a time, not in
Puna. Places where roads, water, electrical and possibly sewer already available.
Owner occupied STVRs and ag STVRs are trying to make it here as part of the community of Hawaii
Island.
Don't inadvertently kilt the local cash generation and feed the momentum of the tragic diaspora.
Mahalo, Cvs�a�t.
1 Rol"
Beth Deyoung
808-747-9531
Wainaku