HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.075 2016-20186 -ms I Pc-
We appreciate the revision to Bill 108, but still have some concerns we would like the council to address.
I live in Volcano, and tourism is the lifeblood 'of our community. From places to stay, to places to eat, art
galleries, shops, and Volcanoes National Park — almost everyone in our area relies on tourist dollars to
pay our mortgages, grocery bills, and taxes.
My husband and I own several small vacation rentals. When my job on the mainland required moving
back or quitting, we had no choice but to figure out a way to stay. Our very small rentals, located just a
street or two from our home, allow us to have the kind of life we've always dreamed of. We work hard, but
are working to make a better life.
This is our second year in business, and we were overjoyed to be able to hire someone to clean one of
our homes. We've replaced roofs and have regular lawn maintenance done. We purchase almost all our
items at local retailers. We pay our taxes. We believe in giving back to the community, with both our
money and time.
We tried a long term rental. Unfortunately, even though our renters were very nice people and we kept
constant communication, they broke their lease and the home required extensive cleanup after their 9
month stay. Short term allows us to clean top to bottom every 2-3 days, and the small size of the house
encourages quiet couples and small families, which our neighbors appreciate.
There are several positive items in this version of Bill 108. We agree that the date for being in business
should be a future date. The first bill was unfair in requiring 'a past date that took everyone by surprise.
This allows us to prepare.
There are a few items we believe need clarification.
We greatly appreciate the grandfathering provision, but would like to see the permit process simplified.
We would like to see the permit price reduced — when you are renting a home for less than $100 a night
and have to take 15% in GET and TAT taxes plus all your business expenses from that amount, an extra
$500 fee every year is burdensome. Also, there is currently no specification of how much the initial
certificate will be for Residential and Ag zones.
We would like to see the Residential and Ag zone permits valid for 2 years. I believe the combination of
the increased compliance, less administration work, and more time to focus on the task of enforcement,
would balance any income loss.
There is some confusion over the time to get a permit. The current revision of Bill 108 says 180 days. Is
that to get the permit or to apply for the permit? In my experience, things do not move quickly and if it
answer is "get a permit", there needs to be a timeframe on how long that process will take. The simplest
solution would be a 180 day period to apply.
Lastly, there should be a path for future home owners. A sensible process for applying for a permit would
assure current business owners that the value of their business could be maintained. It would also
provide reassurance to the County that income from vacation rentals (taxes as well as permit fees) would
continue to flow into the coffers, even after the current owners have retired.
Again, I appreciate your work on this topic and look forward to a successful bill for all concerned.
Mahalo nui loa, Comm. No.
Ref. To:
.Ref. Dote
COV T Y C L E R'K
From:
Lucretia Worster
CMTY OF HAWA
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Bill 108 Revision Testimony
Zoll i
U iii 27 9
Date:
Monday, April 23, 2018 9:42:30 AM
Attachments:
108 Revision Testimony.pdf
ATT00001. htm
We appreciate the revision to Bill 108, but still have some concerns we would like the council to address.
I live in Volcano, and tourism is the lifeblood 'of our community. From places to stay, to places to eat, art
galleries, shops, and Volcanoes National Park — almost everyone in our area relies on tourist dollars to
pay our mortgages, grocery bills, and taxes.
My husband and I own several small vacation rentals. When my job on the mainland required moving
back or quitting, we had no choice but to figure out a way to stay. Our very small rentals, located just a
street or two from our home, allow us to have the kind of life we've always dreamed of. We work hard, but
are working to make a better life.
This is our second year in business, and we were overjoyed to be able to hire someone to clean one of
our homes. We've replaced roofs and have regular lawn maintenance done. We purchase almost all our
items at local retailers. We pay our taxes. We believe in giving back to the community, with both our
money and time.
We tried a long term rental. Unfortunately, even though our renters were very nice people and we kept
constant communication, they broke their lease and the home required extensive cleanup after their 9
month stay. Short term allows us to clean top to bottom every 2-3 days, and the small size of the house
encourages quiet couples and small families, which our neighbors appreciate.
There are several positive items in this version of Bill 108. We agree that the date for being in business
should be a future date. The first bill was unfair in requiring 'a past date that took everyone by surprise.
This allows us to prepare.
There are a few items we believe need clarification.
We greatly appreciate the grandfathering provision, but would like to see the permit process simplified.
We would like to see the permit price reduced — when you are renting a home for less than $100 a night
and have to take 15% in GET and TAT taxes plus all your business expenses from that amount, an extra
$500 fee every year is burdensome. Also, there is currently no specification of how much the initial
certificate will be for Residential and Ag zones.
We would like to see the Residential and Ag zone permits valid for 2 years. I believe the combination of
the increased compliance, less administration work, and more time to focus on the task of enforcement,
would balance any income loss.
There is some confusion over the time to get a permit. The current revision of Bill 108 says 180 days. Is
that to get the permit or to apply for the permit? In my experience, things do not move quickly and if it
answer is "get a permit", there needs to be a timeframe on how long that process will take. The simplest
solution would be a 180 day period to apply.
Lastly, there should be a path for future home owners. A sensible process for applying for a permit would
assure current business owners that the value of their business could be maintained. It would also
provide reassurance to the County that income from vacation rentals (taxes as well as permit fees) would
continue to flow into the coffers, even after the current owners have retired.
Again, I appreciate your work on this topic and look forward to a successful bill for all concerned.
Mahalo nui loa, Comm. No.
Ref. To:
.Ref. Dote