HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.065 2024-2026P/C indl
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From:
Sylvia Dahlby
CDC
Sent:
Monday, May 19, 2025 2:29 PM,
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
opposition to Bill 47
CD
Aloha,
-.-
I am a retiree who rented a downstairs studio apartment in my home in Hilo as an STVR from 2oi8 to
2024 via AirBnB as a means of supplementary income.
I catered mostly to inter -island business travelers, locals visiting family from neighbor islands, and
folks relocating either to or from the islands that needed a temporary place to stay during the move.
Ever since the Maui fires, STVR small-time owners like me have been scape-goated for the housing
shortage and lack of affordable rental properties for local residents. Never mind that the Big Island
situation is different than Maui, and while I offered my place at a deep discount to dislocated Maui
residents I got no takers.
My place is simply not suitable for typical long-term rental as there is no kitchen or laundry facility,
and other issues.
Last year, I decided to take a pause in the STRV business for a number of personal reasons, but partly
because the stress and uncertainty created around proposed new rules and regulations that would
make it difficult or impossible for me to stay in business.
I have since shut -down my STRV operation, but continue to support the Hawaii Island Rental
Property Alliance (HIRPA) advocacy for improving regulations based on evidence, economic realities,
and providing a clear path for resident-owner8 of STVRs to comply without fear of hidden or
retroactive penalties.
Please consider HIRPA's three specific suggestions:
1. Delay final action on Bill 47 until the County's economic impact study is released. The
Council itself ordered a study to better understand the short- and mid-term rental industry.
It should inform any policy —not follow it. A delay will ensure smarter regulation, aligned
with actual data and measurable outcomes - or even show that the proposed regulations may
not result in positive change.
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. I urge 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 to local owners & operators of STVRs, it's understandable that people like
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Ref. Date MAY 2 1 2025
skeptical. I respectfully request that Bill 47 include protections so that people can participate
in good faith.
My STRV business has been shut down in part because of things like Bill 47 which is described as a
"registration -only" bill. As written, it includes vague but punitive enforcement against good -faith
registrants.
I have lost a supplementary income stream of $800 and $1,20o a month - between the TAT/HCTA,
GET and higher property tax, and all the stress created by the Council's additional and potentially
costly regulations, fees and fines that would unfairly fall on legal operators — it's just no longer worth
the headache. Is this what the council intended? To put folks like me out of business? Mission
accomplished!
Meanwhile, what about improving enforcement on all those illegal STVR properties that UHERO
reports show remain rampant on all the islands?
Sincerely,
Sylvia Dahlby
svlviedahl7-q(@Email.com
Hilo, Hawaii