HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.407 2022-2024From: Bodhi Anderson
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 11:56 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Request for Changes to Hawaii Bill 121
Chairperson Heather Kimball
Hawaii County Council
County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha Chairperson Kimball,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and to request that the
Hawaii County Council wait for the outcome of the economic impact study before
proceeding.
Passing this measure will make it illegal for anyone currently renting unhosted for 30 to
180 days. Honolulu experienced a similar situation in 2023 when Bill 41 was overturned.
This change was found to be an unconstitutional taking and led to expensive litigation,
which Hawaii County is likely to lose if Bill 121 is passed.
The Bill will also make it illegal for anyone who rents a home long-term to an on -site host
and rents an attached Ohana short-term. They will have no path to register for a permit,
while only homeowners will have the right to rent an ohana to help make ends meet.
This legislation does not offer any path for those renting unique structures like tiny homes,
yurts, tents, treehouses, or campers. They will be fined up to $10,000 and forced to shut
down if caught renting in the future.
Owners without adequate off-street parking will be denied a permit, and anyone with a
website listing two or more units will be treated as a "platform" and forced to comply with
onerous reporting. Any failure to comply can result in up to $10,000 per day in fines.
Lastly, the County Council has not identified significant complaints or adverse impacts to
neighborhoods from hosted rentals where the owner lives on -site. There is no compelling
reason for this legislation.
I urge the council to reconsider Bill 121 and wait for the results of the economic impact
study before taking any further action.
Mahalo, Comm. IN.
Ref. To: MD
Ref. Date—t.—C 1 9 202-4
Bodhi Anderson
28-1427 Old Mamaloahoa Hwy.
Pepeekeo, HI 96783
808-987-8402