HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.031 2016-2018From: Patricia Freeman
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Home sharing is important to me
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Date: Monday, April 23, 2018 4:08:28 AM 11018 APR 27'-M
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Dear members of the Committee on Planning,
Aloha,
With regards to proposed bill 108, my experience with vacation rental homes in Hawaii, and
most particularly with the Big Island comes from owning a small family operated vacation
rental business for 25 years on the Kohala Coast. This business has been my only source of
income, for 25 years as well as employing others.
I am a licensed Real Estate Broker and follow the landlord tenant codes even though the
rentals we offer are short term. Vacation Rentals are a prime source for the State of Hawaii to
collect GET and TAT taxes. We collect these taxes from our guests.
In my opinion, instead of attempting to try to get the general public to follow the laws, why
not change the laws to require professional management of vacation rental homes. Then the
State would get their taxes, the consumers would be protected and it would be a win/win
experience for all.
Since the existence of VRBO and Airbnb, I have seen homeowners hire housekeepers and
even house painters to "manage" their homes. This can lead to a very negative atmosphere in
protecting the consumer.
As a professional we teach our guests to be respectful of the neighbors, limit number of cars
and guests. We run a very tight operation. This proposed bill could greatly affect our
homeowners, our guests and my company of 25 years!
Please do not pass the proposed Bill 108.
Regards,
Patricia Freeman
Waimea, HI 96743
�3�t.31
Comm. No.
Ref. To: t'
Ref. Date APR 2 4 '1118