HomeMy WebLinkAboutLoewen, Madeleine
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:Madeleine Loewen <mjrloewen@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, November 4, 2026 10:33 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Bill 147 Draft 3
Testimony against STVR legislation
One cannot deny that today's travelers are seeking new and exciting experiences in both their activities and
their stays. As many move away from the sterile environment of a resort or a hotel, they instead find pleasure
in spending their stay in less traditional locations. With legislation that is proposed to dramatically reduce
original and unique properties available to tourists we are guaranteed to lose a large number of visitors to the
island.
Having lived in Hawaii for over 20yrs, it is always a delight to see new tourists become delighted with the magic
and beauty this place has to offer. Living on the Hilo side means that while traditional accommodations are
limited, unique airbnbs abound. These enable the tourists to feel like they have experienced "real Hawaii" by
staying on farms, ranches and in treehouses and yurts. Many of them recognize that by staying on a resort
they tend to stay at the resort and seldom leave the place to invest their vacation dollars in the many local
experiences available. Additionally many resort stays are significantly cheaper in other parts of the world,
resulting again in a downturn in the number of visitors we get, and a loss of their dollars.
The current price increases we're all experiencing across the nation are hurting the local people of Hawaii all
the more. While we are content to pay above mainland prices for the privilege of living somewhere so special,
we also frequently have to find additional ways to make ends meet. For many farmers the cost of fertilizers and
pesticides has increased dramatically over recent years, while the price of fruit has remained constant.
Additionally the number of pests that have infiltrated the island in the years I've been living here make it
increasingly harder for farmers to make a living. Why would the state further penalize their local food providers
by taking away their ability to bring in some extra money operating a STVR on their farm.
By allowing local people to rent out their ohanas or ag structures we are increasing the amount of money that
comes into the island. And this money stays in the islands! This is the money that is returned to sports clubs,
kids' extra curricular activities, aunty's medical bills, local restaurants, neighbor island staycations and many
many other things. Our economy has been buoyed by the increased incomes of all the people offering up their
spaces as an airbnb.
There is much confusion regarding how short term vacation rentals can continue to operate. Many require
modifications to conform that will not be completed by the December deadline. Surely this deadline can be
extended given the limited amount of time remaining and the structural work some are required to complete?
Additionally can a clear path to compliance be explained? Many STVRs want to continue to operate within the
new guidelines, however they are so vague and varied that they are uncertain of how to proceed.
I vehemently oppose any and all restrictions hampering Hawaii's residents the opportunity to rent out their
spaces. These spaces attract more tourists, provide more financial stability to local people, and helps keep
more tourist dollars in our own local economy. They help local farmers continue to operate their farms. And
they allow us to maybe take a day off and enjoy the beach with our 'Ohana without worrying about having to
get back to work to be able to pay the month's bills.
I implore you to cancel this bill and allow us to use our land to benefit our state
1
Many thanks, Madeleine Loewen
2