HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.442 2022-2024From: Joshua Montgomery
Sent: Monday, August 19,2O241218PK4
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Opposition to Bill 121: Lets Wait for the Results of the Economic Impact Study
Chairperson Heather Kimball
Hawaii County Council
CoUntyBUi\ding
25AUpuniStreet
Hilo, HGvvoi^iB8730
Aloha Chairperson kJnlb8\i
I am writing to respectfully express my opposition to Bill 121 as currentLy written. This proposal wiL1 have
significant negative impacts on many residents and renters in Hawai'i County.
Current renters who offer unhosted short-term rentals for 30 to 180 days will instantly become illegal. As
seen with Bitl. 41 in Honolulu in 2023, such actions can lead to unconstitutionat takings, resutting in
costly titigation that the county is likely to tose. Simitarly, peopte who rent an attached ohana or unique
structures like tiny homes or yurts witt find themselves out of comptiance and coutd face fines up to
$10,000.
The absence of a reset timeframe for violations is also concerning. A minor noise complaint in 2024
could lead to escalating fines for any future infractions, forever. This lack of flexibility is unfair and
dnaCOOi8D.
I urge the Council to wait for the outcome of the economic impact study before proceeding with Bill 121.
It is crucial to fut[y understand the financial consequences and avoid potential losses due to tegal.
challenges and fines.
In addition, the Council has yet to identify any significant complaints or negative impacts from hosted
rentals where the owner lives onsite. This suggests that the proposed restrictions are ( and have always
been ) unnecessary.
Joshua Montgomery
President, {]h8OoAin@Association
POBox 58
HO\U8k]8,HI86725
ph: +1(785)84OG155
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