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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.506 2022-2024bill 1��l COMM. 6/!5 From: Andrew Witherspoon Sent: Thursday, August2S\ 2024 12:05 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: Sept 3 9:00ann Hawaii County Policy Committee on Planning Land Use and.'.Development (PCPLUD) Aloha HawalCounty Policy Committee, I may not be there on Tuesday 9/3 but would like to submit the following testimony: I support short term vacation rentals on the island of Hawaii and I have been a responsible hostfor over 1Oyears. Not only do | rely onthe income generated tosupport my family / also employ many local residents who also count on my property for their own source ofincome. Examples are my gardeners, painters, handymen, cleaners & accountants, plus staff at rental car agencies, tour guides, restaurants and the list goes on. |naddition tothese locals livelihood my property also generates anenormous amount nftax revenue for the state and county. Myproperty islocated in Waikoloa Village (with an NUC), I have over 100 five star reviews and I have never had a complaint from a neighbor. My yard and grounds are beautiful and the property is in excellent condition both inside and out. This isaresult ofpeople paying rents and spending their dollars locally. | assure you that this house isnearly the nicest onthe block and |twould not besoifitweren'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, | feel that itisworking fine asis. 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 island. Changing the rules to force its sale will not have any effect on the housing shortage here. Regards, Andy Witherspoon Andy Witherspoon USCG Captain PAD|Dive Instructor [M Ref. Date— 3, 2024