HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.518 2022-2024P / PCPUJ0
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From: Linda Blagrave
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Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2024 5:49 PM
To: Council Testimony C,J
When I purchased an 11-acre residential farm property in 2014, 1 brought my horse herd from Oahu
to continue breeding Arabians. As a single retired woman, I had no need for such a large house, so I
joined VRBO and Airbnb in hopes of generating income to help feed the livestock.
Over time, state and business entities have made it more and more difficult for the middle class
here. The existing land zoning forbids me to sell or downsize any portion of the ranch, or to build
another home on it. Now the pasture use may no longer be a tax write-off! I don't have the ability to
make changes, i.e. plant and sell crops (no help and no farm machinery). Apparently, I'll ALSO be
priced out of trying to get the occasional tourists' business.
As a former part of the sugarcane lands in Papa'aloa and surrounding areas, the land here was over -
farmed and grasses aren't the best, so I have to supplement my horses daily, to the tune of at least
$500 per WEEK.
Although my place has a fabulous view of the fields and ocean, we are on the Hamakua Coast, where
there is very little commerce, or nearby infrastructure. Certainly, I am no competition to any
hotels. Guests are few and far between, despite my 5-star rating from Airbnb. Hawaii county added
a 3% tax, in addition to the state GET and a 10% tax from Airbnb!
At 71, 1 don't plan to go back to work. I've paid my dues. I think I earned my retirement, after serving
in the military and as a Honolulu Police officer for 26 years. Seems like the powers that be are trying
to push me and other'little guys' out of our homes via exorbitant taxes.
There is an argument to be made against the so-called gentle farmers who claim exemptions due to a
few fruit trees on their estates. But I do hope politicians will rethink plans to gouge the little guys.
Sincerely,
Linda Blagrave
35-83 Papa'aloa Rd.
PO Box 145
Papa'aloa, HI 96780
808-222-9544
Comm. *No.ts.S1Ref. To:
Ref. Da— 2 2024
From: Linda Blagrave
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2024 6:01 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: RTA - residential transient accommodations
Please edit my recent letter, from "gentle farmers" to "gentlemen farmers".
Mahalo, Linda Blagrave 808-222-9544
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