HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.329 2016-2018 p/pc,
Sill (08
From: Ohara.Eileen
To: Council Testimony
Subject: FW: Bill 108-Request for Economic Impact Assessment Study
Date: Monday,October 15,2018 6:23:20 AM
From:Tom Monahan[tmonahan6762@gmail.com] �
Sent: Sunday,October 14,2018 8:59 PM
To:Poindexter,Valerie;Chung,Aaron;sueleeloy@hawaiicounty.gov;Ohara,Eileen;Ruggles,Jennifer;David,
Maile;Kanuha,Dru;Eoff,Karen;Richards,Tim • .< -'i
Subject:Bill 108-Request for Economic Impact Assessment Study c
Dear Councillors: >rn
I ask you to please rationally consider the severe economic impacts that the current form of Bill 108 as written wilt) '
have on the region and residents of Puna. `0
Although our region in Puna is zoned mostly"agricultural",you will find that our economic base is largely tourism
due to the volcano and our unique natural beauty.Most of the income in our area stems from visitors who come to
see our unique black sand coastline lined with stunning Halo and Coco Palms, the unique lava formations, the
Volcanoes National Park,and more recently,our new black sand beaches at Pohoiki and beyond.
We are already reeling from the lack of tourism from the eruption and just beginning to recover as tourism returns.
Bill 108 is a knife in our backs.
The provisions of Bill 108 would decimate us economically,cause massive unemployment,ruin our real estate
values and force many of us into bankruptcy.The claim that eliminating tourist rentals for the purpose of freeing up
rental properties for locals is not based in fact,when most workers who rent in our area pay their rents from money
earned by tourist dollars.Most residents of Puna work either directly or indirectly in tourism and would lose their
jobs,if they haven't already,from the catastrophe of this last eruption.
I and most of our neighbours rely on the income from temporary rentals to pay our mortgages,TAT,GET and
property taxes,insurance,electrical,food and medical bills.The cost of living in our area is extraordinarily high
due to our isolation.Many of us,such as myself,employ several people part time who do the cleaning,gardening
and maintenance of our properties to keep them in prime condition for our visitors.We are well behaved,quiet
businesses generating no complaints in our Puna area.This tourist business benefits everyone.We have no other
income opportunities in our area.Many of us are retired and on fixed incomes,living on social security alone.
I ask you to please study what I have told you first before making a decision that would bankrupt all of us.
Temporary tourist rentals help all of us and hurt no one. r
Please consider your decision rationally with an economic impact study.Know the truth about what drives our
economy before you destroy it with this Bill.
Kind regards,
Tom Monahan
Homeowner and Temporary Tourist Rental Operator
120176 Kipuka Street
Pahoa
Comm.. PP
No G .329
Ref. To.
Ref. Date OCT 15 2018