HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.629 2022-2024 P / Pcuo
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OGNM.C75
From: Erika Kuhr
Sent: Tuesday, November 5, 2024 4:04 PM t"v
To: Council Testimony ,.:
Subject: **Testimony in Opposition to Proposed Hawai'i County Short-Term Renta1=$ill** '
To the Members of the Hawaii County Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Develop gent f
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in opposition to the proposed bill seekingto` rther
restrict short-term rentals in Hawai`i County.As a property owner with five long-term rental units and
four short-term rental units, I'm committed to maintaining balanced and responsible use of rental
properties that benefit both our community and visitors. This bill, however, introduces excessive and
unclear restrictions that unfairly burden responsible hosts while creating risks for our local economy,
jobs, and the availability of quality accommodations.
While I understand the desire to regulate short-term rentals, I find the follow problematic
1. **Unclear and Complex Registration Process**:The proposed bill mandates an intricate registration
process with layers of bureaucracy that would be confusing even for experienced property owners.The
lack of clarity around who this bill affects and how enforcement will be handled places an unnecessary
burden on responsible hosts, many of whom rely on short-term rentals to maintain and improve their
properties and contribute to the local economy.
2. **Excessive Fines for Minor Infractions**:The bill proposes severe fines for minor, often unavoidable
infractions such as a guest parking incorrectly. This punitive approach not only discourages responsible
hosting but also places property owners at risk of hefty penalties for issues beyond their immediate
control. Such an approach seems counterproductive to fostering a supportive environment for local
business•owners who rely on short-term rentals to supplement their income.
3. **Negative Impact on the Local Economy and Housing Availability**: The Council has already
commissioned an economic impact study to examine the effects of short-term rentals on Hawai`i's
economy and housing market. However, this bill prematurely enacts restrictions before the study's
findings are available. Short-term rentals contribute significantly to the local economy, bringing jobs to
cleaning services, maintenance crews, and local tour operators. For those of us who offer both short-
and long-term rentals, this proposal risks undermining our ability to operate sustainably and serve our
communities effectively.
4. **Flexibility and Balance in Rental Options**: By providing both long-and short-term rental options,
we help meet the varying needs of residents, seasonal workers, and tourists alike. Short-term rentals are
not merely for vacationers;they also support visiting family members of local residents,traveling
healthcare workers, and professionals seeking temporary lodging. These groups enrich and sustain our
island's community while supporting a wide range of local businesses.
In closing, I urge the Committee to consider a more balanced approach that recognizes the contributions
of responsible short-term rental hosts. Excessive restrictions and complex regulations are likely to
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discourage investment in Hawai`i's rental market, reduce tax revenue, and drive visitors toward
unregulated rentals. I respectfully request that further study be conducted to ensure that any new
regulations address genuine concerns without placing an undue burden on the many law-abiding hosts
who work to support our local economy and our community.
Thank you for considering this testimony, and I hope we can work together to create a fair, clear, and
balanced policy for short-term rentals on Hawaii Island.
Sincerely,
Erika Kuh
Starseed Ranch
Office Phone: (808) 896-5551
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