HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPLUED 003 2025-05-06 2024-2026 REPORT OF THE POLICY
COMMITTEE ON PLANNING,
LAND USE, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: May 6, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 236/Bill No. 47
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 2:35 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development, to which was
referred Bill No. 47, reports as follows:
Bill No. 47, transmitted by Council Members Heather Kimball and Ashley Kierkiewicz via
Communication No. 236, dated April 17, 2025, amends Chapter 6 of the Hawaii County Code
1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to transient accommodations.
The bill adds a new article requiring most transient vacation rentals (TVRs) and hosting
platforms for transient vacation rentals to register with the County before operating;provides for
enforcement and penalties.
As Bill 47 was introduced, Committee Vice Chair Michelle Galimba assumed the role of Acting
Chair, while Committee Chair Kierkiewicz co-presented the bill with Ms. Kimball.
Planning Director Jeff Darrow attended the Kona Chambers, and Deputy Finance Director Malia
Kekai was available in the Hilo Chambers to address questions.
Ms. Kimball explained that the bill targets unauthorized transient vacation rentals by requiring
registration, which would enable the County to identify the location and volume of such rentals.
Ms. Kierkiewicz added that the registration process is purely informational, complementing an
ongoing economic impact analysis of TVRs on Hawaii Island and guiding future policy
decisions. Both Council Members stressed that the bill does not change real property taxes, nor
alter existing land use, zoning regulations, or introduce operational standards.
Committee Member Dennis Onishi supported using registration to identify unpermitted rentals
but raised concerns about the County's enforcement capacity and the impact of vacation rentals
on affordable housing.
Committee Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked for clarification on joint liability between
owners and hosts, verification of TA (Transient Accommodation) and GE (General Excise) taxes
paid to State and County, and the nature of registration fees (one-time or recurring).
KPLUED Report No.3
PCPLUED-3 Page 2 May 6,2025
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas endorsed the registration concept but underscored the
need to protect farmers who rely on TVRs to sustain agricultural operations, ensuring they are
not displaced.
Your Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use, and Economic Development is in accord with
the purpose and intent of Bill No. 47, and recommends its passage on first reading.
kj
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
GALIMBA X
HUSTACE x POLICY COMMITTEE ON
INABA x PLANNING, LAND USE,
KAGIWADA X AND E NOMI DEVELOPMENT
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL x ASHLEY L. KIERKIEWICZ, CHAIR
ONISHI X PCPLUED REPORT NO.: 3
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: MAY 2 1 2025