HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.062 2024-2026P /Council
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From:
Tarek Antaki
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Sent:
Thursday, May 15, 2025 6:29 PM
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To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Oppose bill 47-
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Aloha Council Members,,
oppose bill 47.
Since my position is aligned with HIRPA's, I'll use their recent words to describe why I am against Bill 47.
"We want to take a moment to clarify our advocacy stance on Bill 47, in light of recent discussions, the
imminent results of the economic impact study, and some public misunderstandings. HIRPA's goal is
not to obstruct regulation or spread misinformation, but to ensure that any legislation passed by the
County is grounded in facts, is fairlimplemented, and protects the residents it affects most.
What We're Advocating For —and Why
Bill 47 is described as a "registration -only" bill, but as written, it includes vague but
powerful enforcement mechanisms, significant fines, and opens the door for future
regulations tied to zoning and land use that could be easily used against good -faith registrants.
While we believe the County Council has good intentions, we advocate for revisions to clarify the
county's assertion and protect the community.
We are advocating for three specific, responsible measures:
i. Delay final action on Bill 47 until the County's economic impact study is released.
The Council itself ordered this study to better understand the short- and mid-term rental
industry. It should inform any policy —not follow it. We believe this delay will ensure smarter
regulation, aligned with actual data and measurable outcomes - or even show that regulation
will not result in meaningful, positive change, and is unncessary.
2. Protect registrants through clear, written amnesty provisions.
Many residents operate in good faith but may have unpermitted structures, legacy additions, or
zoning that doesn't currently align with their legal use. These folks are not criminals —they're
community members trying to make ends meet. We're asking the Council to create protections
for those who voluntarily register and self -disclose, so that this doesn't turn into a "gotcha"
enforcement mechanism down the road.
3. Build policy based on trust, not fear.
After the experience of Bill 121, where late -stage amendments caused a surge in fear and
confusion, it's understandable that many in our community remain skeptical. We're not
encouraging mistrust —we're responding to it. Our goal is to make sure that Bill 47 includes the
necessary protections so that people can participate in good faith, and the county can start to
restore public trust.
We Support Regulation —But It Must Be Done Right Comm. i �
Ref. To:
Ref. Date MAY 2 1 2025
HIRPA supports thoughtful, transparent, and enforceable regulation. We are not trying to eliminate
oversight or exempt STR operators from responsibility. But regulation must be based on evidence,
reflect economic realities, and offer a clear path for residents to comply without fear of retroactive
penalties."
Thank you for your time,
Tarek Antaki
Waikoloa Village resident and STVR hosted operator