HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0677.047 2022-2024From: Honokaa People's Theatre
Sent: Monday, September 1{i2024g:53PK4
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Opposition toBill 123D5Testimony
Opposition to Bill 123D5,
Aloha Chair Kimball and council members,
I appreciate all the work you folks are putting into looking for solutions to the affordable housing crisis,
however everything I have heard about Bill 123 in it's current form feels mysterious, rushed, and perhaps
counter productive? An argument can be made that the housing market shortage is being driven by non-
resident speculation and short term vacation rentals, whereas this bill seems to encourage both vvhi|9
likely driving up property values and taxes for folks in the Rural and Agricultural zones most sensitive to
these issues. Why pass 8 bill going far above and beyond the intentions of (and 2 year window till 2026
to address) provided byState Act 39 (which addresses state Urban Land Use zones only) to include
Agriculture and Rural Zones without robust community conversation? It vvVu|d be great to have
projections that include anticipated General Plan updates and State Land Use District Changes that have
been mentioned elsewhere, with maps of the intended affected areas after all the other changes take
place. Right now it's really hard to understand what vvVu|d and vvVu|d not be affected. It's also rough
timing to introduce the [0nnp|ax and far reaching legislative package of Bill 121, 122, and 123 while the
public has been struggling to keep upwith the General Plan Comprehensive Review ((SPCR) process, it
really seems like cart before the horse kind of unnecessary rush. Due to the potential wide ranging and
profound impacts this b||| may have on sewage treatment, neighborhood density, parking, traffic
congestion, water use, property values, etc., engaging the public on and allowing time for researched
commentary on Bill 123 SeeOlS prudent. Why not allow the public the same information you folks might
have on all these issues and bring the public on board in Support? Please oppose the passage of Bill 133
O5 atthis time, especially as it sounds like the State Land Use Commission has indicated in their previous
testimony On this bill that Transient Accommodation Rentals should not be included, and the legality of Bill
123 with that included is now in question. That along with longstanding public support t0 limit transient
accommodation rentals and their impact on our county, as is this bill does feel right atthis time.
Maha|o for your consideration,
PhaethVnKeaney
HonOkaaHawaii
Ref. Datiel 2024