HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.321 2016-2018 opc,
COUNTY CLERK 1(( tos
COUNTY OF HAWAII IIJJ
7R.ECEIVED
From: Julie Irvin Time MUM By ^
To: Council Testimony Date 110/18
Subject: Volcano Village vacation rentals
Date: Sunday,October 14,2018 9:19:58 PM
To the County Council,
I am writing to you as an owner of a vacation rental in Volcano. It has been my observation
that many visitors are really happy to stay up here in the beautiful rainforest near the Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, and I feel that Volcano should have a special designation that allows
for vacation rentals. There are already a fair few vacation rentals up here, and up until the
devastating volcanic event that caused so many scary earthquakes, and subsequent
cancellations, I noticed that most of them were booked on any given night.
They are currently not as booked up here because the word is only just beginning to get out
that the Park has reopened. Unfortunately, the media has not covered that fact nearly as much
as they covered the eruption. If this bill passes as it is, it will not only have a negative financial
impact on many up here, but also I think will have a negative impact on the number of Park
visitors as well, and will deprive many visitors of the experience of staying up here. At the
beginning of this year I finally realized my dream of owning and operating two vacation
rentals in Volcano, but then due to the financial hardship arising from over 100 guest
cancellations, I was forced to sell one of the businesses. I wish to eventually purchase another
home to run as a vacation rental again in the future so that I can again realize my dream, but
fear I won't be able to because of this bill. I have faithfully paid my TAT and GET taxes right
from the beginning of running my first vacation rental, and feel that those of who have been
doing this legally should be allowed to continue to do this.
As a mother of a young adult son who is disabled, I feel thatrunning a vacation rental business
has given me a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction while still being able to be there for
him. I am asking that you please consider allowing Volcano to have a special designation, or
at least allow legal vacation rental property owners to purchase an extra property to run as a
vacation rental.
Thank you for your consideration,
Julienne Irwin
Comm. No. 1! -32�
Ref. To: PPG
Ref. Date OCT 1 5 2018