HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.568 2022-2024N 1 ['21
From: Bill Newcomb
Sent: Thursday, September 26, 2024 1 O:S2 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Please Reconsider Hawaii Bill 121
Chairperson Heather Kimball
Hawaii County Council
County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Aloha Chairperson Kimball,
I urge you to reconsider the passage of Bill 121. This bill jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of
families who depend on hosted vacation rentals on agricultural land. The recent Supreme Court
decision already makes all vacation rental operations on Ag zoning illegal. As a result, the Planning
Department will not be able to issue permits, effectively banning hosted vacation rentals on
agricultural land.
Before moving forward with Bill 121, the County Council should wait for the outcome of the economic
impact study. This study will provide valuable insights into how the bill would affect our local economy
and families relying on this income.
To date, there have been no compelling reasons identified for this legislation. The County Council has
not presented a significant number of complaints or examples of adverse impacts on neighborhoods
from hosted rentals, where the owner lives on the building site.
Please take these points into consideration and delay the passage of Bill 121 until more information is
available.
Mahalo,
Bill Newcomb
77-107 Queen Kalama Ave
808-557-5553
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