HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.186 2016-2018P(PC/--
From:
Joe Sowcker
To: Council Testimonv
Subject: RE: Bill 108
Date: Thursday, June 14, 2018 3:02:33 PM
Dear Committee on Planning Hawaii County,
I am writing to you today to let you now that Bill 108 in its current form would take away the
only income I have at the moment. I am inviting guests into my private residence here in Puna.
After the eruption I lost my job in Pahoa, and so without Airbnb income I would have to go on
government assistance, and would loose my property in the long run. Given the current
situation I'd have to sell my property and would get pennies on the dollar. If you have any
interest in helping rebuild Puna and our community, modify to allow rentals on Ag land, if
only for a time, so we can get back on our feet after the eruption subsides. We have been
through a lot here, and the threat continues, but with your assistance there could be light at the
end of The tunnel. Our guests (we only rent one room) love country living, learning about
plants and animals and we are not taking away from the classic hotel demographic. Our guests
eat in Puna, shop in Puna and support our economy. Please realize that for Puna to come back
from the abyss, it is your hands to give us a chance to recover. We have paid our taxes in GE
and Tat from day one, so we play by the rules ,and feel unjustly punished by this legislation.
Please reconsider passing this bill, allow for more input and most of all consider the situation
Puna is in. We are counting on you to do the right thing by your constituents. Sincerely, Joe
Soecker
Regards, =
Joe Sowcker,
Pahoa, HI 96778 --
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Ref. To: Ci
Ref. Date JUN 18