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HAWAI`I
ISLAND
REALTI 0
The voice for real estate on the big island.
1321 Kino'ole Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone:808-935-0827
Fax:808-935-4924
ADM I N @HAWAIIISLAND REALTORS.ORG
September 14, 2025 ,
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To: Communications, Reports and Council Oversight Committee v
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Re: Comments on the Economic Impact Study on Short -Term Vacation Rental b�y,�
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Hunden Partners
Aloha, Chair Galimba, Vice Chair Villegas and members of the County CCL�ncil __-
The Hawaii Island REALTORS® commend the Council for ordering the Economic
Impact Study that was done by Hunden Partners. We read the results with much
interest and agree with a majority of the findings. We do have some questions
that we would like to ask to Hunden Partners and would also like the Council to
consider:
1. Was there any analysis that identified the difference between legal and
illegal short-term vacation rentals in the data presented?
2. What is the basis for the estimation of tax avoidance?
3. In the report, it was mentioned that Hawaii County implemented an STVR
permitting process in 2023 and currently has 3,500 registered units
(Pages/Slides 58 & 68). Is this in reference to Bill 121 which proposed
registration/permitting? Bill 108? A typo?
4. Is the County of Hawaii able to mandate that Online Travel Agencies /
Hosting Platforms require that a host post an STVR license number with the
hosting platform in order to advertise on their sites?
5. Given that we now understand most STVRs are hosted or owner -occupied,
and most are unlikely to transition to long-term rentals (only 4% according to
this report), and recognizing that many residents depend on this income to
afford living in Hawaii, will the County consider granting owner -occupied
hosted rental properties the homeowner tax class?
6. In light of the Economic Impact Study, has the Council considered amending
ORD 2018-114 to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations before
moving forward with hosted rental regulations?
7. In the Demand survey beginning on Page/Slide118, Question #16 on
Page/Slide 134 asks the respondent, "Have you visited Hawaii County?" and
Question #17 on Page/Slide 135 asks, "If you answered "No" to the previous
question, have you or would you consider a trip to Hawai'i County?" Does
this mean that the data presented in this Demand survey was not specific to
Hawaii County? If not, why not?
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date 2025
1321 Kino'ole Street
HAWAI`I Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
ISLAND Phone:808-935-0827
REACTORS o Fax:808-935-4924
The voice for real estate on the big island. ADMIN@HAWAIIISLANDREALTORS.ORG
8. Were any of the Economic Impact Study results surprising to the council?
Where do we go from here? How do we establish equitable rules and regulations for both un-hosted and hosted
short-term vacation rentals collectively?
We look forward to receiving answers to our questions and are available to meet with Council members or
representative from Hunden Partners at their convenience.
Respectfully submitted,
Keali'i Beck, 2025 President
Hawai'i Island REALTORS®
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