HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.008 2016-20186-1osIPc,
From: Nanette Bell
C�'��'Y QF
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Written testimony for Bill 108 11 APR -2-7 t..0
Date: Monday, April 23, 2018 11:19:30 AM
Aloha Councilmembers,
My family has been in the vacation rental business, in the same Kailua-Kona neighborhood,
for almost 30 years - first as a bed and breakfast, and now as a guest house. We are
opposed to Bill 108. 1 am a single mother of two, and our guest house is my family's
primary source of income.
When we first started in this business, before internet and cell phones, all that was required
was a tax license. We have always paid our GE and TA taxes. In addition, our property
taxes are almost triple what they would be if we were eligible for a homeowner's exemption.
We are at our guest house each day greeting and visiting with our guests, helping them
plan their activities, cleaning, maintaining and gardening. We have never had a complaint
about our business. In fact, many of our neighbors send their friends, relatives and
customers to stay with us. We have provided free accommodations to neighbors having
their homes treated for termites, and we employ one of our neighbors as our handyman.
Unlike some of the long-term rentals in our neighborhood, our house is beautifully
landscaped with no abandoned cars, barking dogs, and loud parties.
When we first moved to this neighborhood, it was zoned as "Unplanned" a designation that
allowed guest houses. This zoning was then arbitrarily changed to "AG 5 Acre", although
there are no farms in our subdivision and lots are about a third of an acre in size or less. I
am especially concerned with section 25-4-1.c stating that "A short-term rental
nonconforming use certificate may be issued for lots located in the State land use
agricultural district only if the building site was in existence prior to June 4, 1976. "
I think my neighbors, which include councilwoman Karen Eoff, would prefer my peaceful
guest house to agricultural uses such as hog and rooster -farming! Please do not pass a bill
that might put our,family out of business. My son and daughter are the third generation
hosting visitors on our island, and the money we earn is spent locally.
A more useful legislation would be to require Airbnb and other online booking sites to
collect the taxes on all bookings. That would make it more equitable for those of us who
already pay taxes. Oahu has already regulated many B&Bs out of business and is trying
hard to do the same with vacation rentals. That might be why they want such a big share of
the TA taxes generated on our island, which should stay here. Please don't turn our lovely
island into another over -regulated Oahu.
Sincerely,
Nanette Bell
72-1071 Puukala St.
Kailua Kona, HI 96740
nanette_suzanne@yahoo.com
Comm. No.
Ref. To: 1 p
Ref. Date APR 2 4 2018