Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.058 2024-2026P counci I Bill y7 comm.23G From: Kris Adair Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 11:30 AM o M To: Council Testimony. Subject: No to Bill 47 ` < Dear Councilors,s 4: I am writing to respectfully express my deep concerns regarding several significant issues with the proposed legislation currently under consideration. First and foremost, the bill mandates that the Planning Director revoke an individual's registration for any violation of law. This provision, though broad in its intent, could have far-reaching and unintended consequences, particularly for residents and small businesses on the Big Island. The scope of impact includes: Unpermitted Improvements: An estimated 40% of properties on the Big Island have unpermitted improvements —approximately 2,600 small businesses could be affected. Cesspools: The EPA classifies any address with a home -based business and a cesspool as a "high - capacity" cesspool, which are currently illegal and could be grounds for shutting down a business. Agricultural Zoning: Hawaii Revised Statutes §205-4.5 prohibits rentals shorter than 21 days on agriculturally zoned land, which would render many hosted rentals noncompliant by default. Second, the bill requires homeowners to disclose any unpermitted improvements without providing protection from potential enforcement actions. This lack of legal shielding discourages transparency and penalizes good -faith efforts at compliance. Third, the proposed $10,000 fine for violations appears to be an extremely severe penalty, especially when compared to the actual impact of the infraction —such as a lapse in registration. Collectively, these provisions risk functioning as a de facto ban on hosted vacation rentals in agricultural areas. They create an uncertain and discouraging environment for residents, particularly those operating in good faith, and make long-term planning nearly impossible. I respectfully urge you to reconsider these elements of the bill. A more balanced approach would support compliance while also recognizing the realities many residents face. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. Kris Adair 3�0,�� Comm. o Guard Well Farm Ref. TO: it Ref. Date MAY 2 1 2025 75-1097 Keopu Mauka Dr. Holualoa, HI 96725 ph: +1 (785) 840 7989 kris.adairCabguardwellfarm com https://guardwellfarm com