HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.152 2024-2026P / COU1161
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From: Esther Lehmann
Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 11:52 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Opposition to Bill 47, Draft 2
CHAIR HOLEKA GORO INABA,
VICE CHAIR DENNIS ONISHI
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
Friday, June 4, 2025
9:00 am
Hilo
RE: OPPOSITION TO BILL 47, Draft 2
Dear Chair, Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi, and Council Members:
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As a homeowners here in Hawaii, we have gotten a business license to rent on our property,
have payed the GET, TAT, HCTAT, and personal income tax on all proceeds as well as a
higher Real Property Tax rate; and I am infuriated by another bill that is vague and
unenforceable.
We are suffering at the hands of our state and county.
We have done EVERYTHING to be on the right side of the law and have been penalized and
taxed at every step. Whether the verbiage is for "long term housing needs" or "transparency",
these measures are driving out your residents and constituents. As a primary homeowner we are
trying to make a living in Hawaii and send our kids to college. Our extra bedroom can't be
rented long term as it is for the family to use when visiting. The crippling taxes already in place
are making it impossible to use my home as a means of generating income so our family can
STAY in our home. Every time more nebulous legislation is enacted, it hurts those of us that are
following the rules.
Furthermore, the fine schedules listed in the bill appear to be another way of making money off
of your primary homeowners and hosted rentals that are already following the rules. Please
follow through with enforcing the state and county laws already in place so that the unhosted
and illegal rentals feel the brunt of this bill instead of those of us currently paying the high cost.
It is concerning to me that the state and county want to exert more control and regulation on
personal lands of residents.
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Before moving forward with this bill or future bills, please conduct a thorough economic survey
and please attempt to enforce the measures already put in place. You are forcing those of us
following the rules to get second, third, or fourth jobs to remain as residents of Hawaii. I have
been writing to oppose versions of these bills for years and have not seen the kokua and aloha
from our officials that every resident and consistent should be given.
Mahalo for listening,
Daniel and Esther Lehmann