HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.565 2022-2024From:
Kristin Moreland �s r,
Sent:
Tuesday, October 1,202410:23AM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Kristin Moreland
Subject:
Testimony against Bill 121
Aloha,
I am a tong time resident of Kona and I am writing in opposition to biLt 121.
While I understand and agreewith the need of Hawaii Countyto regulate "hosted" and "operator hosted" vacation
rentals, Bit[ 121 has gotten far too compLicated. The existing ordinance that came from BiLl 108 should be
amended to incLudethe hosted rentats. Then —the ordinance should be actively enforced bythe Ptanning
Department.
The compLaintdriven enforcement process has been completely ineffective. Simply browsingVRBO orAirBNB
listings shows how many illegal operators are out there. If the County is serious about regulating STVRs, those
STVRs should be shut down immediately by actively enforcing the existing law. If Bill 121 passes and the Planning
Department takes the same stance on enforcement that they currently employ, not much will change, regardless
of the intent of the Lawmakers. Enforcement of the ordinance is the most critical part of having one.
Kona has been without several hotels for some time. Starting with the closing ofKona Lagoon, followed by
Keauhou Beach Hotel, Uncle Bitty's and the Manago, the number of hotel rooms available to visitors has been
reduced significantly. Yet people still visit Kona. |aitreasonable toassume that THIS iaupart ofthe cause if
increases in vacation rentals? Certainly the cost of a room night, additionat "resort" fees, parking fees and lack of
kitchen tend to a consumer's choice to stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel because their money goes so
much further. While vacation rentals are not unique to West Hawaii, they are an integrat part of the
accommodations available to visitors who come here to vacation, to be with family, or to work. They have always
been apart ofour community.
At the very least, the County should complete an economic impact study before passing Bill 121.The potential
harm tofamilies that are reliant onshort te�rnnanteiafor their inoornaeither oevendor uroparatomiasignificant.
Tnrnovufomvardwithout considering this irnpootonthe constituency ofthe County would demonstrate the
politicat will of the Council to disregard the voices of the many in order to accommodate the few.
Please be responsible to the majority of the folks who have submitted their testimony to you, which has been
overwhelmingly against this bilt.
Kristin Moreland