HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.283 2016-2018 PIPci
lib
COMM -1131
July 9,2018 =
Hawaii County Council Testimony C)-"(
Bill 108 Draft 3t
0
July8,2018
Aloha council members,
Again, mahalo to council members who have put so much thought and effort into this
important, protective,compromise legislation happen and making it law immediately.
Even with amendments, Bill 108 clearly takes varying views into consideration as well as
parameters of state law. -
Protection of residential neighborhoods from vacation use and abuse is critical to a healthy
populace which, in turn, helps create a healthy economy. As proposed,vacation rentals
will be confined to resort and other appropriate areas while a homeowner can rent
room(s)in their home,to help make ends meet as long as they're living on that
property-a critical caveat that helps protect surrounding homeowners and their
properties.Having a property manager on site is not enough, as you know and have heard
from the insightful testimony you've received.
This bill also takes into account existing short-term rentals that have been operating legally
under current law by the grandfathering clause.That does not include those who've
ignored paying taxes or filing with the county—a gap which this bill will fill.
I attended two of the meetings on this bill and am sorry I can't attend July 10th. However,
you and I have both heard the sad and compelling stories of those who have suffered due
to a lack of protections which can ONLY come through legislation.As is true with those
who testified and probably thousands who have not;our ohana has had negative
experiences with tourists landing in our neighborhood day and 'night.We consider our
home a refuge from the disconnected,transient, holiday-making that goes on—
appropriately at resorts,inappropriately in residential and ag areas.Just today I had a car
of tourists intrusively and annoying drive up my driveway looking for an Air B&B which my
off-island neighbors have been renting. They are likely nice people, but that makes no
difference.They're lost,they're on my property and I don't want to be put in a situation of
being a land use official,a cop or a tour guide.
Comm. No. 1N-_ _
Ref. To: P PG
Ref. Date JUL 2 4 .2016
There've also been interesting comments regarding infrastructure, particularly cesspools
and insufficient public and private roadways.Each of those issues is one we face in my
subdivision's current,single,short-term rental.
It's become even more critical on our island to create long-term, residential housing
opportunities especially with the lava flowing unabated.Without this bill,that situation will
only worsen.
There are always additions that could be made to create a stronger law,the main one
being ironclad promise and resources for enforcement; but I implore you to ACT TODAY
to support Bill 108 before an out-of-control situation gets worse.
Mahalo for your consideration of my views on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Janice Palma-Glennie
Kailua-Kona