HomeMy WebLinkAboutMilliken, Caleb
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:C M <crmilliken@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:49 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Testimony on Bill 147 relating to STVR's
Aloha Leeward Planning Commission and Hawaiʻi County Council Members,
My name is Caleb Milliken. I was raised in Kona, and Hawaiʻi Island is my home.
I supported the County's registration requirement because I believe responsible operators should register, pay
their GET and TAT taxes, and operate with integrity. That is our kuleana.
Bill 147, however, goes far beyond registration.
As you consider the future of this ordinance, I hope you will see it as more than a regulatory decision. It is an
opportunity to strengthen the people who live, work, and raise their ʻohana on Hawaiʻi Island.
The County's own economic impact study confirms that locally operated visitor accommodations generate
significant tax revenue, sustain thousands of local jobs, and keep visitor spending circulating through our
communities. It also demonstrates that additional restrictions are unlikely to meaningfully increase the long-
term housing supply.
That presents a remarkable opportunity.
Rather than placing additional burdens on responsible local operators, Hawaiʻi County can become a leader in
creating policies that help local residents participate in the visitor economy. Every locally operated visitor
accommodation supports not only the owner, but also local cleaners, landscapers, contractors, restaurants,
activity providers, retailers, farmers, and countless other small businesses that make our island thrive.
For many of us, hosting visitors is not simply a business. It is what allows us to remain in Hawaiʻi, care for our
ʻohana, con?nue farming, employ local workers, and contribute to the communi?es we love.
We respectfully ask you to build a framework that encourages compliance, protects responsible local
operators, and recognizes the tremendous value that locally operated visitor accommodations bring to Hawaiʻi
Island.
This is an opportunity to invest in local people, local jobs, local farms, local businesses, and local economic
resilience.
The County has already established a registration system that provides accountability and supports tax
compliance. Bill 147 goes far beyond that.
I respectfully urge you to reject Bill 147 in its current form and instead develop legislation that protects our
neighborhoods while empowering local residents, farmers, and small businesses to participate responsibly in
Hawaiʻi Island's visitor economy.
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This is an opportunity to strengthen—not burden—the people who live, work, and invest in our island every
day.
Mahalo for your time, your service, and your consideration.
Caleb Milliken
808-747-0267
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