HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.490 2022-2024From: Jill Meyers
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 8:38 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Hawaii County PCPLUD
Aloha Committee Members,
I have been a resident of South Kona for almost 40 years, I have an Ohana built years ago, for my father who, -has passed
on. I eventually created a vacation rental for my family and friends to visit. When it is not in use, I vacation rent via
Airbnb. I am retired, I need the income to survive financially while loving living on Hawaii Island.
I have deep concerns about all these escalating restrictions and regulations that are under consideration in what sounds
like, from all these meetings and discussions, an attempt to completely eliminate my short term rental.
Many owners use short term rentals as their only income, These new restrictions will put me out of business and make
living in beautiful Hawai'i County unaffordable for all of these folks.
With the rising costs of living in Hawaii County, the state, residents, famers and even small business owners have been
forced to find supplemental income in order to make ends meet and remain in the homeland they love.
Is that what you are after?
Many local people have already left Hawai'i because they can not afford living here and the scarcity of jobs!
Short term rentals have provided safe and viable options for many local home and condo owners, it provides jobs too.
I would believe that my property rights under law would protect me.
I know many friends who have tried long term rentals and have had huge issues with people who destroyed their
homes, refuse to pay rent, and won't leave.
The property abuse and non-payment issues take months, even years to resolve. (disputes that leave folks without
income, plus the time and money spent on these issues).
Local government does not support the owners rights.
These rules would have to change before I would ever think of having a long term rental.
If you want to improve the housing crisis, this issue needs to change to create a favorable environment for long term
rentals for the owners.
Please consider this;
I employ house cleaners, plumbers, electricians, gardeners and handy persons from the local workforce.
Before eliminating short term rentals, you must realize all these jobs will be eliminated too!
Mahalo for your consideration,
Jill Meyers
Captain Cook