HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.338 2016-2018 p/PCI
COUNTY CLERK COMM,731
COUNTY OF HAWAII
RECEIVED
From: Ohara,Eileen Time 10:50 CAA By (J`
To: Council Testimony Date (O/RJL
Subject: FW: Recommendations for Bill 108 Draft#4
Date: Monday,October 15,2018 1:13:40 PM
Original Message
,
From:Caryl Burns [mailto:cburns@sonic.net]
Sent:Monday,October 15,2018 10:49 AM
To:Burns Caryl<cburns@sonic.net>
Subject:Recommendations for Bill 108 Draft#4
Aloha Kakou,
I am a registered voter and an active advocate for responsible public policy,particularly in regards to Transient
Vacation Rentals on the Big Island of Hawaii.I appreciate your work on Bill 108 Draft#4,as well as previous
versions,and request that you seriously consider my recommendations for the current version of the bill that follow:
1)Complete an Economic Impact Study:
Any responsible bill regulating TVR(Transient Vacation Rentals)or STVR(Short Term Vacation Rentals)requires
a thorough economic impact study.More planes flying and more seats on planes mean more visitors to the island,
more revenue for the island,and more jobs of its inhabitants.
a)Hotel vs."neighborhood"stays:Guests who stay in neighborhoods in hosted or unhosted rentals,or on AG land,
for$55-$125/night are in ADDITION to the guests who stay in$300 and$400/night hotel rooms.They add to the
tourism on our island.They do not compete with each other.I have a hosted vacation rental.NONE of my guest
would be coming if it meant paying hotel prices.They want a cheaper,homier stay.They want to prepare meals to
save money.They want the"local"experience.
You need the Economic Impact Study to sort these issues out.There is clearly a growing need for vacation rentals.
The current bill has NO mechanism for Hawaii County to adapt to future growth needs.
2)There MUST be a process for issuing NEW permits and NEW NCU(Non-Conforming Use)Certificates.
3)There MUST be a grace period for hosts affected by volcano eruptions so that they can rebuild and have their
livelihoods restored.
4)There MUST be knowledge of a baseline of how many STVRs exist.
Then,as old permits expire,new permits can be issued.
Or,as the need for new STVRs evolves,intelligent growth can be planned.
5)The County must work with the state to change the draconian laws that allow only the owner and farm worker to
live or stay on AG land.Countries like Italy have a booming Agriculture,supported by eco-tourism.Only working
farms are allowed to house tourist guests and have the status of Agrotourismo.
Many farms have limited opportunities to earn incomes.STVRs add to support of farming,don't take away from it!
CHANGE the laws so that STVRs are allowed on AG land.
6)Don't confuse"Available housing"and"Affordable housing"with STVRs.I cannot rent my ohana full time
because if I did I would have no place to host family and friends who want to visit me on Big Island.When family
and friends go home,I can rent to STVR guests.
7)If you want more"Available housing"and"Affordable housing",revise ultra restrictive building laws,make it
easier for people to build housing to rent to others.Create incentives,not more restrictions on building more
housing.Look at models in other states.
Comm. No. 1 •3
3(6
Ref. To: OCT 5 2018
Ref. Date
8)Remove draconian regulations such as Recommendation#13 which says renewal requests received after the
expiration date will not be renewed.Create a way for late requests to be renewed.
Thank you for your work on this bill.Please do NOT pass it in its present form.It will not serve anyone.
Mahalo nui boa,
Caryl