HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.457 2022-2024From: Adrian S
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 10:48 AM __ �C_
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Written Testimony: Bill 121/TAR transient accommodation rentals
Aloha!
My name is Adrian Soucek and I am writing to testify against Bill 121/TAR for the following reasons:
1. Economic Impact: This bill would impose unnecessary restrictions on short-term vacation rentals
which would have a negative impact on the local economy that is already struggling. Many
homeowners (especially our kupuna) rely on the income generated from these rentals to supplement
their income. Knee -capping their ability to rent out their properties prevents locals from participating in
Hawaii's largest industry - tourism. It also impacts all of the people they employ. When I visit other
islands, I choose to stay in vacation rentals to support our people over large corporate hotels. Local
hosts share their Aloha in a way that no resort handbook can replicate. Until the economic impact of
this change is fully reviewed and commented on by the people it will impact the most, this bill should
not be passed.
2. Property Rights: The bill infringes on homeowner's property rights, plain and simple. Locals
should have the freedom to decide how they want to utilize their properties, including the option to
rent them out on a short-term basis regardless of dwelling type. We should be looking at increasing
agro-tourism in Hawaii County, not limiting it without the option to change things in the future. It's
incredibly short sighted. Imposing strict regulations limits people's ability to make use of their
properties as they see fit.
3. Monitoring Challenges: Implementing the proposed regulations would require increased
monitoring and enforcement efforts which would likely strain already limited resources. It would be
challenging to accurately track and ensure compliance with the new regulations, leading to potential
inefficiencies and allocation of unnecessary funds.
Please vote against this measure. It does not help our economy or change our housing situation in
any significant way.
With aloha,
Adrian Soucek
Hawi, HI