HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.019 2024-2026 P/PGPLUED
147
CO( NTY FNat "
2°Z5 NAY -2 Ail 8
May 1, 2025 : 53
He Mele komo a he mete aloha no na kupuna o ke au i hala Aloha mai kakou.
Aloha,
My name is Cindy Freitas and I'm a Native Hawaiian descended of the native inhabitants of Hawai'i
prior to 1778 and born and raised in Hawai'i.
I am also a practitioner who still practice the cultural traditional customary practices that was instill in
me by my grandparents at a young age from mauka(MOUNTAIN TO SEA)to makai in many areas.
I am writing in strong support of the proposed amendment to Chapter 6 of the Hawaii County Code,
which would require registration, regulation, and enforcement of transient vacation rentals (TVRs)
and hosting platforms.
This measure is necessary, timely, and long overdue.
For too long,the unchecked proliferation of short-term vacation rentals has contributed to:
• Rising housing costs and reduced availability for local families ,
• Overtourism in residential and culturally sensitive areas
• Community displacement and cultural erosion
• A growing number of illegal or non-compliant rentals with no oversight
By requiring registration and accountability,the County can better manage the impacts of vacation
rentals, ensure compliance with zoning and safety regulations, and protect housing stock for residents.
Equally important,this will allow enforcement against bad actors and help level the playing field for
law-abiding property owners.
As a Native Hawaiian, I also view this bill as a step toward protecting the integrity of our
communities and `aina,particularly in areas like Ka`u and Puna, where transient accommodations are
encroaching on cultural sites, subsistence spaces, and traditionally quiet rural neighborhoods.
Mahalo for taking this step to prioritize the needs of kama`aina over corporate platforms and
speculative use of land. I urge the Council to pass this bill without delay and implement strong
enforcement to ensure it has real impact.
Mahalo,
Cindy Freitas
Comm.. o • �
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Ref. Doee MAY — 6 2025