HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.553 2022-2024M
From: Penny Lee
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2024 11:44 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in opposition to bill 121, 122 7;
Breach of Trust?
Why would you want to pass bills 121 and 122 BEFORE completing an economic impact study? This
makes no sense. We would have to conclude that this was a ploy to appease the public past the
elections and the council members have no real interest in understanding or representing us. Are we
being played or do you have integrity?
The target group of this bill is hosted vacation rentals. That means families who are already living on
this island and trying to make a living with vacation rentals. This bill will impact thousands of families
on this island, yet the county council can not wait for an "economic impact study"? The 2 introducers
of this bill are rushing this bill through, quickly wielding many amendments, while most council
members and the public do not get the time to even read nor understand what the bill actually does
and how it impacts and who.
The premise for the bill is wrong. This bill is prejudicial and creates discriminative zoning regulations,
advancing a monopoly for large corporations and developers over local small farmers and
homeowners. I don't know if you paid attention to the testimony submitted so far, written and verbal to
both Planning Commissions and the County Council? Support for this bill is almost non-existent,
except for 2 representatives of the Hotel industry. This is a bill written by and for the Hotel industry.
And why should there be unlimited vacation rentals permitted on urban zoned land? And ADUs?
Have you looked at the draft General Plan where the urban extension areas are planned, like right
next to existing resorts? What are the odds of those turning into affordable housing? Most of the local
residents don't get to own the little bit of urban land around (except maybe for Heather Kimball and
Douglas Adam Shipman, who do).
These bills will cause severe damage to the local economy, especially in the rural and farming
districts of this island. Many residents have submitted their concerns to you.
Thank you for your careful consideration.
Penny Lee