HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0236.171 2024-2026P / COMCi
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From:
DEBORAH ROBERTS
Sent:
Monday, June 2, 202S S:06 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Written testimony for Bill 47
Written Testimony Opposing Proposed Bill Requiring Hosted Rental Registratiog
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To: Hawaii County Council and Planning Department
Subject: Opposition to the Proposed Bill 47 on Hosted Rental Registration
Aloha Council Members,
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I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed ordinance requiring registration of hosted
transient vacation rentals (TVRs) in the County of Hawaii. This legislation overreaches
governmental authority, infringes on our constitutional rights, and imposes an undue
burden on homeowners and residents who reside on their property.
1. Violation of Private Property Rights
This bill fundamentally undermines the rights of property owners. Hosting a guest in
one's home should not be treated any differently than renting a room to a long-term
tenant. When a host resides on -site, the arrangement is inherently different from an
absentee owner operating a commercial enterprise. By forcing homeowners to register,
comply with ambiguous occupancy rules, and pay recurring fees, the County is regulating
basic residential use in a way that is both invasive and unnecessary.
2. Host Liability Is Unjust and Unconstitutional
The provision stating that a "host" is jointly liable for fines —even if the host is a tenant
or someone without ownership of the property is absurd and potentially
unconstitutional. A tenant does not hold legal title to the real estate, and yet the County
proposes to hold them responsible for compliance, civil penalties, and liens? How can a
non -owner bear legal responsibility for tax liabilities or face liens on property they do not
own? This sets a dangerous precedent and contradicts principles of due process and fair
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1 Ref. To:
Ref. DQaa J — 4 2025
3. Vagueness and Overreach in On -Site Host Requirements
The ordinance vaguely mandates that the host must be on the property "while the TVR is
rented." Does this mean the host is not allowed to leave for work, errands, or family
obligations? Must a host be physically present 24/7 during every guest stay? This
language is unclear and unrealistic. It effectively chains people to their homes and creates
a constant state of surveillance and fear of penalty. This is not reasonable public policy —
it's an overreach into daily life.
4. Slippery Slope of Regulation
Once such regulation is enacted, it opens the door for more excessive government control
over what citizens can or cannot do in their own homes. What's next —permits to have
houseguests or dinner parties? Will renting a room to a college student during the school
year require registration and taxation? This bill takes us down a slippery slope where the
government is involved in intimate, everyday decisions of homeowners.
5. Hosted Rentals Provide Community Benefits
Hosted short-term rentals allow residents to generate modest income to offset Hawai`i's
high cost of living. These arrangements typically involve quiet, respectful guests and are
monitored directly by the homeowner. They support local economies, preserve cultural
exchange, and prevent property abandonment. Blanket regulation ignores these
community -based benefits.
Conclusion
I urge the Council to reconsider this bill in its entirety. Instead of punishing responsible
homeowners who live on -site and manage their rentals personally, the County should
focus enforcement on absentee owners and large-scale commercial operators who truly
disrupt neighborhoods. We need policy that distinguishes between small-scale hosted
rentals and large-scale investor operations —not one that imposes burdensome regulations
on residents living peacefully on their own land.
Please reject this proposed ordinance and stand up for the rights of property owners,
renters, and the spirit of aloha that respects privacy, self-determination, and fairness.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Deborah Sharp Roberts
92-1063 Road to the Sea
Captain Cook, Hawaii 96704
Cell: 808-989-7773
Email: lovewhitedove@aol.com