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REPORT OF THE POLICY <br /> COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, <br /> LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> DATE: May 6, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 236/Bill No. 47 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 2:35 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, to which was <br /> referred Bill No. 47, reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 47, transmitted by Council Members Heather Kimball and Ashley Kierkiewicz via <br /> Communication No. 236, dated April 17, 2025, amends Chapter 6 of the Hawaii County Code <br /> 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to transient accommodations. <br /> The bill adds a new article requiring most transient vacation rentals (TVRs) and hosting <br /> platforms for transient vacation rentals to register with the County before operating;provides for <br /> enforcement and penalties. <br /> As Bill 47 was introduced, Committee Vice Chair Michelle Galimba assumed the role of Acting <br /> Chair, while Committee Chair Kierkiewicz co-presented the bill with Ms. Kimball. <br /> Planning Director Jeff Darrow attended the Kona Chambers, and Deputy Finance Director Malia <br /> Kekai was available in the Hilo Chambers to address questions. <br /> Ms. Kimball explained that the bill targets unauthorized transient vacation rentals by requiring <br /> registration, which would enable the County to identify the location and volume of such rentals. <br /> Ms. Kierkiewicz added that the registration process is purely informational, complementing an <br /> ongoing economic impact analysis of TVRs on Hawaii Island and guiding future policy <br /> decisions. Both Council Members stressed that the bill does not change real property taxes, nor <br /> alter existing land use, zoning regulations, or introduce operational standards. <br /> Committee Member Dennis Onishi supported using registration to identify unpermitted rentals <br /> but raised concerns about the County's enforcement capacity and the impact of vacation rentals <br /> on affordable housing. <br /> Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked for clarification on joint liability between <br /> owners and hosts, verification of TA (Transient Accommodation) and GE (General Excise) taxes <br /> paid to State and County, and the nature of registration fees (one-time or recurring). <br /> KPLUED Report No.3 <br />