HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.011 2024-2026 P/PCPWEO
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From: Paul D Crawford c�
Sent: Saturday, May 3, 2025 7:56 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Bill 47
Aloha,
I am writing to oppose the proposed Bill 47 regulating STVRs.
I rent a bedroom in my home on my small 3 acre farm, and have done so for 15 years. It is a vital part of
making it pay for itself and being sustainable.
The idea that I have to register for yet to be determined rules, regulations and fees has me more than a
little concerned. My guest room is essential to supplementing my Soc. Security and pension, and the
idea of more fees, and licenses makes me very uneasy.
My guest bedroom made$25,000. last year, and the State and County took$8000. right off the
top. Leaving me to pay another$7000.to room cleaners and gardeners, and another$5000. in overhead
expenses. I end up only making$5000.for all my work. Now the State and County want more money.
My guests support Maku'u Market, restaurants in Pahoa, Uncle Robert's Music, and Malama Market.
These are important things to Puna, and big hotel guests in Hilo do not spend any money out here. I
notice that we are having another big Activate Puna celebration in Pahoa, all while clamping down on the
last bit of economic activity here. This makes no sense. Especially on the verge of a coming recession
and increasing inflation. Things are going to get very tight around here soon.
My neighborhood is all 3 acre and 6 acre parcels, so our neighbors' rental activities do not impact each
other much. But most importantly we can write off the road repairs on our gravel road. Without it,we will
go right back to giant potholes.
It appears to me that I am being selected to be driven out of business. The big hotels will of course
have no difficulty absorbing the costs and passing it on to their guests. At their price level it will hardly be
noticeable. Not so for my guests. And if I do go out of business, my bedroom will certainly not not be
rented longterm. So what will be gained, other than the loss of my TAT and GET payments and yet
another unmaintained dirt road in Puna?
Lastly,why the blind rush to do this bill before the STVR mpact study comes out?
Thank you for your consideration,
Paul Crawford
punapaul3Cc�gmail.com
Comm. •,
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