HomeMy WebLinkAboutPeterson, Carola
Tsuneda, Kaci
From:carola <carola@learn4life.se>
Sent:Thursday, November 5, 2026 7:39 AM
To:Council Testimony
Subject:Testimony on Bill 147, Draft 3 – Hosted TVRs on Agricultural Land
Aloha Council Chair and Council Members,
I am a property owner in Captain Cook, Hawai ʻ i, and would like to submit the following comments
regarding Bill 147, Draft 3.
I appreciate the Council's efforts to establish reasonable regulations for transient vacation rentals.
However, I believe several important issues need clarification, particularly for hosted rentals on
agricultural land.
1. Allow permanent residents and caretakers to qualify as hosts
The proposed definition of "host" does not require the host to be the property owner. I strongly support
this approach and ask the Council to explicitly confirm that a permanent resident, including a caretaker
or long-term tenant, may qualify as a host.
A caretaker who lives on the property year-round can provide more consistent supervision, respond to
guests and neighbors, and ensure compliance than an owner who resides there only part of the year.
2. Clarify that the host may live in a separate dwelling on the same building site
Draft 3 generally requires the host to reside on the same building site, rather than necessarily in the
same dwelling as the guests.
I ask the Council to preserve this flexibility and clarify how it applies to agricultural properties with more
than one legally established dwelling. The special requirements concerning first farm dwellings should
not unintentionally exclude legitimate hosted operations where a permanent resident lives elsewhere on
the same building site.
3. Establish a practical permitting process for agricultural properties
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The proposed special permit requirements may create substantial uncertainty, costs, and delays for
existing operators.
I encourage the Council to establish clear eligibility criteria, reasonable fees, and a practical permitting
process, particularly for existing properties with permanent on-site residents.
4. Extend the registration deadline
I also support extending the December 31, 2026 registration deadline. Property owners need sufficient
time to understand the new requirements, obtain clarification from the Planning Department, and apply
for any necessary permits.
My goal is to operate responsibly, comply with County regulations, and maintain a positive relationship
with the surrounding community. I hope the Council will ensure that the final legislation provides a
realistic pathway for responsible hosted rentals on agricultural land.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Carola Peterson
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