HomeMy WebLinkAboutLees, Liz
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Liz Lees <leeschung@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, October 20, 2026 7:45 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Bill 147- oppose
Dear Council,
My head is spinning with the many, many, many iterations of this bill. I am a full time resident homeowner in Kona and I
host short term guests in my guest suite when my family and friends are not visiting. As I am retired, the income I earn
really helps me afford my home, and keep it maintained in a way that benefits myself and my community. This bill will
have direct negative impact on my household.
I am afraid to even register because of the ever changing and extremely unclear requirements to be able to host in my
own home. I would need to hire an attorney to truly understand the potential liability the bill creates, particularly with the
excessive fines and potential liens for any infraction, even unintentional ones. My first request is that the registration
deadline is postponed until some version of Bill 147 is finalized so I can evaluate if the adopted rules will even offer me an
attainable path forward.
If my home is safe for me to live in or rent out long term, then why all the additional scrutiny and rules for short term use? I
understand the need to limit investor owned un-hosted rentals in residential areas, but what is purpose when impacting
local residents? The guest space in my home will not add to affordable housing.
Why does the registration bill ask for permit information when it is not required?
I host in my primary residence, but I occasionally travel. In the past, I have always had a responsible person stay in the
house and pet sit. Does this bill require I personally be onsite at all times? What is the liability for my family or friends
when they come to house sit for me when we have STR guests for example?
30 days is a more reasonable definition for short term stays. 180 days is excessively restrictive for primary residents.
As a resident, tax payer and voter, I believe there are soooooo many more important issues that the council could and
should be focusing their energies on than primary resident hosted rentals. Hawaii County already has the tax code and
community standards in place to address the important issues. I ask that the council insist the bill has clearly stated goals,
understandable rules and regulations and a simple process that is easy for the public to comply and attain.
Please postpone consideration of the bill ( and associated registration) until this can be accomplished.
Mahalo for your consideration-
Liz Lees
Kailua Kona resident
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