Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.135 2024-2026P / C01016 51141 c64M. M From: Neal Genge Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2025 8:23 PM To: Council Testimony C_ C p Subject: Bill 47 OPPOSITION C= N ©< Aloha County Council, MC-) 1 strongly oppose Bill 47 as it stands and respectfully ask that you delay any further action untk4he 3' promised Economic Impact Study and updated surveys are completed and made public. Passing this bill without full data and community input risks harming many local families and''small businesses. Please prioritize the interests of local residents over special industry pressures. We need less regulation that supports small property owners, not more restrictions influenced by large hotel interests. Many longtime residents —especially seniors living on limited incomes —depend on hosted short-term rentals to make ends meet. These are responsible operators who pay their taxes, do not rely on government assistance, and are striving to care for themselves independently. Penalizing them with high fees and severe fines, especially for rentals on agricultural land or with minor unpermitted work, threatens to push these hardworking people into government aid programs like food stamps. Instead, we should be supporting their efforts to remain self-sufficient and off government assistance. ti The bill lacks clear definitions on key issues like AG land rentals, ohanas, and hosted versus unhosted rentals, leaving residents vulnerable to harsh penalties without proper guidance or protections. The current lack of public notification and transparency about this bill's rushed vote only adds to the concern. I urge the Council to respect the voices of Big Island residents by pausing this bill until the promised studies and surveys are available, and the public is properly informed and given opportunity for input. Let's make informed decisions that support —not punish —our community. Want to do something to help the housing situation? Allow ADU's on Ag land instead of limiting it to Residential only. Lots of Ag land here simply is not good Ag land due to lack of county water supply. FIX THE ROOT CAUSE: County infrastructure, particularly DWS, has NO effective PLANNING for Ka'u and South Kona Districts! Mahalo nui Loa for your consideration. Neal Genge Longtime resident AND taxpayer Comm. ReE T©: 1 Ref. bate 4 - 4 2025