HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.037 2016-2018e)-tvt im.,
From: Mark Hinshaw
To: Council Testimony; Ruggles, Jennifer; Ohara, Eileen
Cc: Eoff, Karen; Poindexter, Valerie; Kanuha, Dru; David, Maile; Lee Loy, Sue; Chung, Aaron; Richards, Tim
Subject: Testimony for Bill 108^`' ,
Date: Monday, April 23, 2018 8:54:30 AM o;
Aloha Kakou, ::.,�ZZI
Asapreface, I write in support of this proposed legislation with suggested changes. I would like
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thank the Councilmembers for addressing this issue, a much-needed discussion in in order. As 1M
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long-term resident of Puna and Kalapana Seaview, this proposed legislation is very important tci=A;
both my self and my neighbors. I would like to see at least the following added to the language?n
the Bill for your consideration.
First, every rentable room must have at least one off-street parking per room. I have heard from
many neighbors that some of these VR to do not have adequate parking on their property, so their -
guests are parking on our roadways. A neighbor of ours has only one off-street parking space and
continuously has 6 to 8 cars parked on the County right-of-way. I understand that parking
regulations already exist, I just believe it needs to be tightened up in this proposed Bill.
Second, grandfather in all existing vacation rentals so long as they have their TAT and GET in
compliance with State law. All vacation rentals MUST be incompliance with all County Building Code
requirements. Future VR should undergo a more stringent process. I learned two days ago of an
investor that has recently purchased 5 properties within Kalapana Seaview for the sole purpose of
building 4 -unit VR on each of the 5 properties. This is NOT good to have this blatant misuse for
monetary gains of our residential neighborhoods.
Third, NO for rent signs, other than the name of the rental, should be allowed on property. If you
have not been to Kailua-Kona lately, Ali'i Drive is littered with sign after sign after sign, advertising
vacation rentals. Our communities do not deserve this type of litter, unless you are just selling your
property. If any sign for the name of the property is desired, it must be in compliance with the
Signage Code.
Fourth, I recommend that all applications received by a pre -determined date will be allowed full
review and process, regardless of any time constraint. As most of us know, County Planning
Department is extremely understaffed and overworked. Putting a 6 -month time limit on the
Applicant is not fair and reasonable, considering the Applicant has almost no input on the speed of
the application process. FYI, Kalapana Seaview just went thru a simple request for a new mailbox
structure to accommodate our mailboxes. It took almost TWO YEARS to get the application
approved.
In conclusion, I mahalo each of you for undertaking this pressing need to have more regulation on
this rapidly expanding industry. We must safeguard our communities from outside investors seeking
maximum profits, while at the same the time, protecting the rights of citizens that live here and their
right to offset the high cost living on Hawaii Island by sharing their home with visitors.
Comm. No. V7- Fjp
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date OR 2 4 2018
Mahalo for your consideration.
Mark Hinshaw