HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.638 2022-2024 P / PcPuJo
bill 121
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
POLICY COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, LAND USE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ; ,
Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz, Chair, Dr. Holeka Inaba, Vice Chair r5.
MEETING DATE: Friday, November 8, 2024
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TIME: 9:00 am '~
PLACE: Hilo <> u
RE: IN OPPOSITION TO CURRENT FORM of BILL NO. 121-24 (Draft 4)
Dear Chair Kierkiewicz, Vice Chair Inaba, and Council Committee Members:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify. My name is Cory McKim, and I am a property owner of a
short-term rental in Hawaii County. I am writing today to express my strong opposition to the
proposed legislation that seeks to impose significant restrictions on short-term rental units within
the county. This measure, as currently drafted, will have severe negative consequences for our
local communities, economy, and property owners.
I oppose any amendments to the bill that would impose limitations on the number of properties
an individual can own, restrict the structure of ownership, or further limit agricultural property
registrations. I also strongly object to proposals that would extinguish a Non-Conforming Use
Certificate (NUC) upon transfer of property. These proposals are not only constitutionally
questionable but would also result in significant harm to Hawaii Island's economy, particularly in
rural and agricultural areas where short-term rentals provide essential income for families and
small businesses.
The current draft, including the amendments presented in the latest agenda, continues to be
unreasonable and lacks sufficient data to justify such sweeping changes. These measures could
have unintended and far-reaching consequences that would disrupt the livelihoods of many
local residents and hurt the economy at large.
Therefore, I respectfully request that the council table this bill until a comprehensive economic
impact study can be conducted. This study would provide critical data and insights to ensure
that any new regulations are informed by evidence and would avoid unnecessary harm to the
community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Cory McKim
Comm. No 15. (,07
Ref. To: 1 �i
Ref. DcaVe� NOV -8 2024