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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.136 2024-2026P / 0010161 ,bill 41 COMM. 2& From: Teena Genge o Sent: Saturday, May 31, 2025 7.46 PM To: Council Testimony Subject: oppose Bill 47 Aloha County Council,? T• I strongly oppose Bill 47 as it stands and respectfully ask that you delay any further action untilThe --- 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. 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. My family does not have an Airbnb so we are not fighting for us, we are fighting for all the people who live here and need this income! 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. Mahalo nui Loa for your consideration. Teena Genge Big Island resident and small farm host Mahalo, Teena Genge Principal Broker/Owner RB23650 808-400-0643 United Country Real Estate I Hawai'i Lifestyle Properties LLC Meet Teena: https://youtu.be/BAts5llvxr ttps://www.unitedcountryhawaii.com liLtps://www.facebook.com/unitedcountryhawaii Ref. To'�, Ref. �'©:� 1 Ref. Date JUN — 4 2025