HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.033 2024-2026 PCPLIgO
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From: Meriah NicholsC)
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Sent: Sunday, May 4, 2025 5:38 AMA,
To: Council Testimony
Subject: re: Bill 47-25
To Whom it May Concern:
I am strongly opposed to Bill 47-25.. It seeks to create more registration hurdles for
short term vacancies: more registration fees, annual registration fees, penalty fees and
so forth.
Short term rentals have been a way for an average resident to make money by using
space in their own home or property. Everyone I know who does this is doing this
because they NEED the money, and imposing more fees is an added financial burden
when things have overwhelmingly become financial burdens. We already pay extra-high
costs of living, and many jobs are now in jeopardy or have been outright lost due to the
DOGE of the Trump Administration. There are not many sources of additional income in
Hawaii county. This bill would make it even harder on people who are trying to make
ends meet and create a source of revenue for their families.
Additionally, it's important to note that trying to force people to rent out longer term
won't work. Renting out short term vacation and renting longer term are completely
different beasts. A short term vacation rental means that a renter is here for a short
time, and leaves. With a longer rental, one needs to have other people continuously in
one's space, without any breaks. This can be too much.
If the county wants to create more affordable housing or rental situations, they should
look to creating avenues to renting existing unoccupied buildings - and tax owners who
let properties stay unoccupied, perhaps (- the old Hilo Hotel is an example of a waste of
property space, potential housing). Create attractive incentives for developers to create
intentional communities, green/eco villages, lower cost housing.
Don't try and force affordable housing on the backs of local residents who are trying to
create income for their families with short term rentals.
Thank you,
Meriah Nichols
Resident of Hilo, Hawai'i County
Comm.
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