HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.160 2024-2026June 3rd 2025
Honorable Councilmembers,
CDUNTY CLERKCOUNTY Or HAWAII
2025 JUN -3 P91.2• 00
Thank you for taking my testimony. This letter serves as a notice that I am opposed to Bill47.
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I'm a citizen, but I grew up in a communist country. As bad as it was— no food and a Marshall Law —
one of our precious memories was our summer vacations in private homes. We couldn't afford
hotels, but we could take road trips in the country or to other Eastern countries and stay in private
homes, where the owners would share their rooms, cultures, and customs. I still remember the
places I visited as if it were yesterday. If, under the regime, you are allowed to go and stay with
private owners, it blows my mind that we are here again and fighting another bill, that will most
likely bring on other bills upon bills to destroy private vacation rental owners.
We comply by paying TAT, GE taxes, and higher property taxes. If people in a communist regime
could do business in their own homes, why are we making it harder and harder in Democratic
America? American dream, no more? Not worth the hustle. If you are concerned about people not
payingtaxes, consider requiring Airbnb, Vrbo, TAT, and GE to pay taxes on all bookings; they already
collect them. Truth be told, that is not what this agenda is about. However, every person who lists
on Airbnb or VRBO must provide an active Transient Accommodation Tax number without it, you
can't list on that platform. So, the idea that STVR doesn't pay taxes is a myth. As far as switching to
long-term rentals is concerned, there will not be an abundance of affordable options until the
government addresses the laws regarding squatting. Additionally, the increase in property taxes
from $1,500 to $14,000 (in most cases) will not generate affordable long-term rentals in the future.
This is a fading away dream of government officials.
Thank you for your time.
Anna Noll
Comm. I\! IN
Ref. To:�
Ref. DGie_JUN - 4 2025