HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.045 2024-2026 COUNT Y CL,FR May 5, 2025
COUNTY OF H,AA1;
WESTIAION OF REALTORS'•
HAWAII
AS,SOC 2825 14AY — H E A Y L. KIERKIEWICZ,CHAIR and
75 Kapiko St.A2 MICHELLE M.GALIMBA,VICE CHAIR,
KajtI'a-K°nai 970 COUNTY COUNCIL, POLICY COMMITTEE ON
PLANNING, LAND USE,AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Testimony Opposing Bill 47, Draft 1 — Request to Defer Pending Study Results
Chair Kierkiewicz and Members of the Hawaii County Council PCPLUED,
The West Hawaii Association of REALTORS®respectfully oppose Bill 47, Draft 1 in its current form and at this time.
We urge the Council to defer further action on this legislation until the completion and public release of the county-
commissioned economic impact study on short-term vacation rentals(STVRs),authorized through Resolution 556-24
on July 24,2024.
This comprehensive study,expected within the next 60 days,is intended to provide objective data and insight into the
fiscal and economic role of STVRs on Hawaii Island. Proceeding with legislation seeking universal registration,imposing
heavy fines,and subjecting all registrants to as-yet-undisclosed regulations before this key information is available risks
undermining public trust and policymaking integrity.
Concerns with Timing and Transparency
Bill 47 follows more than two years of deeply divisive public debate over short-term rental policy,centered around Bill 121,
which proposed significant restrictions on STVR operations. In that context,the timing of Bill 47 raises concerns.The
proposal to require mandatory registration of all operators before the study's release appears premature and potentially
punitive.
Many in the community perceive this registration effort not as a neutral data collection mechanism,but as a precursor to
future enforcement actions,particularly against owners operating in nonconforming structures or on land not currently
zoned for short-term use.Without clear parameters,protections,or transparency around how registration data may be
used,the bill's intent has understandably generated public mistrust.
I ( �
As acknowledged in Resolution 556-24,there is a widely held but unverified belief that phasing out STVRs would
automatically result in greater long-term housing supply and affordability.The commissioned study is meant to examine
( this assumption.Advancing preemptive regulation without first validating that premise may lead to unintended economic
consequences without resolving the housing challenges the county seeks to address. 'A
Comm.
Request for Process-Based Policymaking Red. T°'_ J ��' J'
Ref. Da.e 1:
f-AY 6 2025
We submit that Bill 47 includes elements that warrant further clarification and revision,particularly around
definitions,Cou inty Code consistency,fairness,and program enforcement.These are important t
conversations—and they should be informed by evidence and discussion,not assumptions or statements of
intention.
REALTOR`
I i
Therefore,we respectfully request that the Council:
1. Table Bill 47 until the commissioned economic impact study is publicly released and reviewed.
2. Continue to engage stakeholders—including housing advocates,STVR operators,property owners,and
REALTORS®—in a transparent,data-driven process for the development of any regulations.
3. Ground any future regulation in findings that balance the need for housing and affordability with the protection
of local property rights,economic activity,and fair enforcement practices.
In short,we support thoughtful,effective,and enforceable policy. But we urge the Council not to proceed with
premature,mistrusted,and untethered legislation from the very data the county has already committed to obtaining.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony.We remain committed to constructive dialogue and balanced
solutions for Hawaii Island.
toimistoni
Ati+What/
Taitor Woo
2025 Board President 2025 Government Affairs Committee Chair Association Executive
West Hawai'i Association of REALTORS®