HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0744.004 2016-2018We live in Keauhou Uka, in Kailua-Kona, a residential subdivision. Unfortunately, thanks to
unregulated short-term vacation rentals in our neighborhood, it is no longer a quiet residential
neighborhood. We live next to not one, but two vacation rentals, that may or may not be
registered for GE and TAT taxes.
The vacation rental home directly next to a number of us is a large home, with a pool, hot tub,
pool table and an owner, attorney Phillip Green, that has NEVER responded to a single plea
for assistance. Because of the 'party' like atmosphere of the home, it is typically rented by
larger groups that often party until the wee hours of the night. We are regularly (as in at least
3-4 nights a week) woken up by screaming, laughing, cursing, drunken brawls and have
absolutely NO ability to get the group to quiet down. Noise complaints to the police are
usually unanswered, or arrive 3-4 hours after the call (and the noise has abated).
We do not blame the police for this, they simply cannot be expected to regulate the number of
B & B businesses springing up everywhere overnight.
However, in addition to the noise that seems constant, we have seen guests urinating over their
railing, strutting around naked, and have found litter in our backyard.
If the owner has been unresponsive to our calls and texts for years, who should be held
responsible for this disruption the lives of our residents? Is the owner(s) paying their fair share
of GE and TAT taxes to support our island? How will island residents be able to find
affordable housing if short term rentals continue to reap cash with many not registering to pay
taxes (and depleting the number of available long-term rentals)? How long must we continue
to live knowing we have NO ability or right to peace? It seems our neighbor's cash cow is the
only business that has rights in our once quiet community.
I would appreciate anything you can do to help:
1. Hold owners responsible for their tenant's short term rental 'guests,'* and;
2. Ensure a better process of holding short/term rental owners responsible for paying their
share of taxes.
*Such as: A hotline to call to report homes that are being rented to abusive/disruptive guests in
residential communities if an owner/property manager is unresponsive to complaints... and that
once a number of legitimate complaints are lodged, the owner loses the right to offer it as a
short term rental.
I understand that our our island's coffers are low, and believe we could easily make up a
significant portion of the shortfall with monies legitimately owed to our County and State by
better regulating rentals on the island.
Mahalo for your time and efforts,
Jolene & Richard Mears
808-333-8945 Ref- To:
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Ref. Date I
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From: Jolene Mears
To: Council Testimony; Eoff, Karen; Kanuha, Dru
Cc: Lisa i3unae; Rich Mears RN, MSN
Subject: Vacation Rental
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Date: Monday, March 05, 2018 6:04:03 PM
Aloha Mr. Kanuha and Ms. Eoff, and the rest of the County Council,
We live in Keauhou Uka, in Kailua-Kona, a residential subdivision. Unfortunately, thanks to
unregulated short-term vacation rentals in our neighborhood, it is no longer a quiet residential
neighborhood. We live next to not one, but two vacation rentals, that may or may not be
registered for GE and TAT taxes.
The vacation rental home directly next to a number of us is a large home, with a pool, hot tub,
pool table and an owner, attorney Phillip Green, that has NEVER responded to a single plea
for assistance. Because of the 'party' like atmosphere of the home, it is typically rented by
larger groups that often party until the wee hours of the night. We are regularly (as in at least
3-4 nights a week) woken up by screaming, laughing, cursing, drunken brawls and have
absolutely NO ability to get the group to quiet down. Noise complaints to the police are
usually unanswered, or arrive 3-4 hours after the call (and the noise has abated).
We do not blame the police for this, they simply cannot be expected to regulate the number of
B & B businesses springing up everywhere overnight.
However, in addition to the noise that seems constant, we have seen guests urinating over their
railing, strutting around naked, and have found litter in our backyard.
If the owner has been unresponsive to our calls and texts for years, who should be held
responsible for this disruption the lives of our residents? Is the owner(s) paying their fair share
of GE and TAT taxes to support our island? How will island residents be able to find
affordable housing if short term rentals continue to reap cash with many not registering to pay
taxes (and depleting the number of available long-term rentals)? How long must we continue
to live knowing we have NO ability or right to peace? It seems our neighbor's cash cow is the
only business that has rights in our once quiet community.
I would appreciate anything you can do to help:
1. Hold owners responsible for their tenant's short term rental 'guests,'* and;
2. Ensure a better process of holding short/term rental owners responsible for paying their
share of taxes.
*Such as: A hotline to call to report homes that are being rented to abusive/disruptive guests in
residential communities if an owner/property manager is unresponsive to complaints... and that
once a number of legitimate complaints are lodged, the owner loses the right to offer it as a
short term rental.
I understand that our our island's coffers are low, and believe we could easily make up a
significant portion of the shortfall with monies legitimately owed to our County and State by
better regulating rentals on the island.
Mahalo for your time and efforts,
Jolene & Richard Mears
808-333-8945 Ref- To:
- — -
Ref. Date I