HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.064 2016-2018Megan Ryan
PO Box 10735
Hilo, Hi 96721
meganmryan2@gmail.com
April 23, 2018
COUNTY 0P N-WA11
2018 APR 24 PM 126 53
Testimony in support of legislation limiting for-profit commercial vacation rentals over
residential use:
have been a Hilo resident for 12 years. I am a Registered Nurse and a graduate of the
University of Hawaii at Hilo. I live and work in this community. I recently had an experience
where I was negatively impacted by the rapid increase in real estate being bought by people
that are not Big Island residents and used for the purpose of vacation rentals.
In 2017, 1 made an offer on a home listed for sale in Keaukaha at 437 Nene Street.
offered the asking price, but then I was told that my offer was not accepted because there
were two cash offers for a price higher than the asking price. I have since learned that the
property was sold to a local resident and was to be used for the purpose of a vacation rental,
and that that buyer already owned multiple properties in Keaukaha and was operating a
second vacation rental on 2352 Kalanianaole Street, only one block away.
I was very disappointed, as the chance to own this home would have been very
meaningful to me. It is my opinion that if something is not done to slow the proliferation of real
estate being sold to people who use them for purposes of vacation rentals and profit making,
that people like me will continue to be at a disadvantage to access affordable real estate in the
community where we live and work. It is also a disadvantage to our community as a whole
because people who live and work here have more than a financial interest in the community,
and that is what gives the community its strength and character.
I would be supportive of legislation that would limit for-profit commercial vacation
rentals over residential use. This Legislation should help give people a fair chance at owning a
home in the communities where we live and work, thus strengthening the structure and
character of our,.community as a whole.
Thank You.
Comm. No.
Ref. To:
Ref. Date APR 2 44 �'