HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.028 2016-2018C"`Y CUR
TESTIMONY RE: BILL 108 Y OF HAWAIIJ
There are numerous reasons that home -owners decide'1 oM12:105short-term rentals.
Perhaps the most compelling is to fill demand from visitors, who do not wish'.to find accommodations
in typical resorts or hotel/motel rooms, or who wish to spend time in areas of special interest where
adequate hotel facilities do not exist.
One such area, with a high number of existing short-term rentals, is the area surrounding Hawai'i
Volcanoes National Park. This national park is a primary destination of many tourists to Hawai'i, as
well as to Hawai'i residents from other parts of the state. Due to the size of the island of Hawai'i it is a
long drive to and from other areas which offer accommodations, and many tourists do not wish to be
on the road for hours after a day and evening of volcano viewing and park exploration. We should be
glad that they choose not to drive many miles in a state of fatigue, which would make them vulnerable
to driving hazards at night. There are other such tourist attractions far from Hilo or Kona/Kohala that
would be similarly characterized, and therefore similarly attractive to tourists who wish to find
accommodations.
I am opposed to ordinances which would make it difficult for these places to be available for transients.
The revenue to many businesses on the island would suffer if tourists could not spend time in remote
places or activities unique to Hawai'i island. Existing rentals in these unique areas which have- met
licensing and taxation requirements should not have a "maybe" implied in special permitting, but
should be encouraged by being granted continued usage. The proposed annual fee of $500 is too high,
when the proprietors also pay 10.25% TAT and 4% GET (of which the county already gets a share) on
these properties.
One impetus for this amendment to the ordinance is the lack of affordable housing available for
residents. The county of Hawai'i (and indeed the state in general) has been negligent in enforcing that
new development include affordable housing time after time. It is .apparent that this has created a large
portion of the population unable to afford to buy a home. Instead of regulating the use to which owners
of non -owner -occupied residences choose to put these homes, the county needs to make sure that the
planning commission stops allowing development that does not include lower-cost housing. Also, the
county and state need to develop government housing options for those who need long-term housing
rentals.
In summation: certain residential zones must be allowed transient accommodations to meet demand for
convenience and safety of travelers. Also, the $500 annual "special permit" fee is way too high, and
should be no more than $150.
Amy R. Fine
99-7822 Kapoha Place,
Volcano HI 96785
Comm. N .
Ref. To:
Ref. Date .