HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.464 2022-2024From: Andrew Witherspoon
Sent: Monday, August 19,20244:22PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: -Testinlony' Tuesday, August 20th,11:OOAM:Hawai'iCounty Policy Committee on
Planning, Land Use, and Development Committee proposals discussion to regulate
short-term rentals
Aloha Hawai'i County Poticy Committee,
I support short term vacation rentals on the istand of Hawaii and I have been a responsible host for over
10 years. Not only do I rely on the income generated to support my family I also emptoy many local
residents who oiaocount onrnyproperty for their own source ofincome. Examples are rnygardeners,
painters, handymen, cleaners & accountants, plus staff at rentat car agencies, tour guides, restaurants
and the list goes on. In addition to these locals tivelihood my property atso generates an enormous
amount oftax revenue for the state and county. Myproperty iSlocated iO\8/8iko\ooVillage (with an
K]UC)'|have over 1OOfive star reviews and | have never had 8complaint from oneighbor. Myyardend
grounds are beautiful and the property is in excellent condition both inside and out. This is a resuft of
people paying rents and spending their dollars k»oaik/. | assure you that this house ianearly the nicest on
the block and it woutd not be so if it weren't for short term rental. guests covering its costs.
I have a great relationship with all of my neighbors, the neighborhood and the county of hawaii. I urge you
not to change the existing policies and regulations, I feet that it is working fine as is.
Furthermore if I could not rent this property as a short term rental I would be forced to sell. Considering
its value, any future buyer would not be adding it to the list of available rentals on the istand. Changing
the rules to force its sale wil.l. not have any effect on the housing shortage here.
Respectfully
AndyWitherspoon
AndvVVhharapnon
USCG Captain
PAO|Dive Instructor