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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.050 2024-2026 P/ PCPLUEO Dill 147 COMM.25i, o c) From: Sabrina Winder `'.' CD cp Sent: Monday, May 5, 2025 10:08 AM . To: Council Testimony --s Subject: Consequences of Bill 47 -T . _ r"Ti ET�J Aloha Hawaii County Council, -- I have numerous grave concerns regarding the proposed Bill 47, and the catastrophic consequences that would result from passing the bill. Here are some of the biggest issues I see with this bill: 1. The introduction of this bill is against the law and goes against the Council's practice of waiting TWO YEARS to reintroduce a failed bill. It's been less than 6 months since the latest version of this bill failed, and Heather and Ashley are using a technicality to work around the law,to force another bill down our throats that clearly nobody wants. Who ARE they representing anyway-the hotel lobbyists?!? It seems clear that they aren't actually representing the interests of the countless local businesses and homeowners who are at risk of losing their livelihoods over this bill. 2. The economic impact study that was promised to be considered before any new legislation, is not yet complete! Why is another bill being introduced before learning the potential impacts of these restrictions? It isn't hard to imagine how many businesses and families would be devastated by this new legislation. /find it shocking and completely tone deaf that new restrictions are even being considered right now, in the face of a huge downturn in tourism here in Hawaii which is already hurting everyone who depends on it. 3. Government was never intended to have this much control over the rights of private property owners. The threat of a $10,000 fine for someone who breaks the ambiguous rules of the ever-changing laws governing short term rentals, is a massive overreach and a huge violation of property rights. It's clear from the proposed bill that the goal isn't simply to keep track of who is doing a short term rental. but to put homeowners out of business. 4. Redefining short term rentals to be up to 180 days is outrageous on so many levels, beginning with the fact that there's a big difference between someone traveling for a week and someone who needs to stay to work at a temporary job for 5 months. There are also people who rent housing for years, but remain on a month-to-month lease for numerous reasons-and the lease length between a person and a private property owner is not something that the government should be controlling or restricting. It is apparent from this bill that the goal of the creaters of this bill is simple: put short term rentals out of business. Surely this will solve the housing shortage and solve everyone's problems, right?? Wrong. This Bill will have catastrophic consequences that will cripple countless families and businesses for years to come. If the goal is to ensure there is enough housing for everyone, I implore you to take a closer look at the building regulations and restrictions that are making it nearly impossible to build the needed housing to meet the needs of the population. THIS is where you can make real change that is meaningful to all. Comm. a. Ref T©: `► �) 11,j[11.4 Ref. n;,be MA. - 6 2025 Mahato for your time, Sabrina Winder 2