HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.637 2022-2024 p/ pakuO
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From: Dawn Maust
Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 6:55 AM .17r.
To: Council Testimony 1'
C- CC
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RE: IN OPPOSITION TO CURRENT FORM of BILL NO. 121-24(Draft 4)
Dear Chair Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Inaba, and Council Committee Members: -
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Thankyou for the opportunity to testify. My name is Dawn Maust and I own a short-term rental in Hawaii
County. I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed legislation in Bill 121-24 that imposes
significant restrictions on short term rentals in Hawaii County. I am deeply concerned that the issues
that are trying to be solved by this legislation will only serve to make them worse.
First,the concepts proposed by Ms. Kimball on October 2, 2024 in Communication 0675-509 are
problematic, constitutionally questionable, and potentially harmful to the economy and community in
Hawaii. I strongly oppose restricting the structure of ownership and owners themselves, limiting the
number of rentals owned, eliminating Non-conforming Use Certificates (NUC) at transfer, and finally, any
further restriction on agricultural property registrations.ln addition, the proposal includes unreasonable,
escalating fines with no `reset' period and unestablished, unclear administrative rules for interpretation
and implementation of the bill.
Second, I am deeply concerned about the economic impact of this bill on Hawaii and your residents. My
short term rental brings in tax dollars(not just mine, but everything the guests purchase), spending in
local businesses such as restaurants, tours, cultural experiences and more.The jobs that are produced
by short term rentals include, but aren't limited to our amazing cleaners, maintenance, landscaping,
airport jobs, groceries,fuel, car rental, tour guides, local fisherman and so much more.
Third, I don't believe it will solve the housing crisis in Hawaii. Investing in comprehensive, attainable
housing.solutions can address housing needs without harming the local economy. Tourist tax dollars can
help fund that investment.
In addition,this bill targets residents and seeks to limit their ability to supplement their income using
their property in an increasingly expensive market. Hosted rentals are generally not only insufficient for
long-term tenants or families but also limit the homeowner's ability to determine the timeframe for
transient use in their own home. This bill will NOT be a meaningful solution for creating more
long-term housing but in fact will decrease residents' ability to afford their home.Also, at least 20%of
travelers who stay in short-term rentals are NOT vacationers but are workers, residents in-between
housing or those without the income or savings to retain long-term housing. This bill would only make
housing more difficult.
Though I am not Kanaka Maoli, I deeply respect you who are and encourage my guests to do the same
by educating them and providing resources. I volunteered my time and money after the Lahaina fires, I
am a scuba diver and hope to help clean the ocean of trash deposited by ignorant people, and try to
contribute to my Hawaiian community in other ways. S.(01
Comm.
ReE To:
Reg. Dire NOV - 8 2024
I urge you, before you take any action on this bill to complete and analyze the proposed economic study
that will give insight to make informed, data-driven decisions that will benefit all residents of Hawaii
County.
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
Respectfully,
Dawn Maust
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