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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.086 2024-2026511 V CCMk .? Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 11:26 AM To: Madeleine Loewen Cc: Council Testimony Subject: RE: Bill 47 t o mac-, f From: Madeleine Loewen Sent: Monday, May 19, 202511:05 AM Subject: Bill 47 Aloha, I would like to share my testimony against Bill 47. While I support some regulation of vacation rentals it needs to be in a clear and concise manner, not vague and misleading like Bill 47 suggests. My first concern is, why are we not waiting for the results of the economic impact study, which was decided upon months ago? Why must we hurry this new legislation in without first checking the impact on our community? Secondly, why are we not pursuing the many unregistered STVRs that are not paying their TA taxes? Instead you are investing more money in legislation that punishes those who have been following the letter of the law for so long by requiring further registration. Hosted vacation rentals create opportunities for locals to benefit from the many people who want unique vacation stays. Reducing hosted vacation rentals will not provide affordable housing for local residents because hosts enjoy the flexibility that being a vacation rental allows them. The East side of the Big Island has limited employment opportunities, low wages and high costs of living. Many people are only able to afford to stay here because they rent our rooms in their homes or their ohanas to offset the increasing cost of living. Many thanks for your consideration, Madeleine Loewen "Comm. No Ref. To: Ref. Date 2 2UZ5