HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.421 2022-2024From: Bob & Kathy Fitts
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 2:14 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Concerns Regarding the Immediate Impact of Hawaii Bill 121
Chairperson Heather Kimball
Hawaii County Council
County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 _7
Aloha Chairperson Kimball,
I am writing to express my concerns about Hawaii Bill 121. Anyone currently renting unhosted for 30
to 180 days will immediately become illegal. This change is similar to what happened in Honolulu in
2023 with Bill 41. It was found to be unconstitutional and led to expensive court cases which the
county lost.
Another issue is that people renting homes long term to an on -site host and renting an attached
ohana short term will also become illegal. They have no way to register for a permit. This means only
homeowners will have the right to rent an ohana to help make ends meet.
If someone is renting a tiny home, yurt, tent, treehouse, camper, or unique structure, this too will
become illegal. If caught, they will be fined up to $10,000 and forced to shut down.
Anyone who does not have adequate off-street parking will be denied a permit. This is unfair to those
who have limited parking options. Also, those with websites listing two or more units will be treated as
a "platform" and will have to comply with tough monthly reporting rules. Failure to meet these
requirements can result in fines up to $10,000 per day.
There is no timeframe for violations to reset. This means a single noisy guest could result in large
fines that go up with each offense.
I urge the County Council to wait for the results of the economic impact study before moving forward
with Bill 121. There have been no compelling reasons for this legislation, and the Council has not
shown a significant number of complaints or problems from hosted rentals! S. � 11
FIef. 7011 �4 M4
Ref. D,,flde
Mahalo,
Kathryn Fitts
76-6246 Ali'i Dr #242
8089871459