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COUNTY CLERK COWL/39
COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
RECEIVED �y�,
Time 10;a/DIA BY (1�✓
KYLE K. JONES Date t0frbfl8 October 15, 2018
P.O. Box 42, Captain Cook, HI
808-785-3660
Dear Hawaii County Council Members:
I'm a resident of South Kona. I was born and raised here. I graduated from UH Hilo with a
degree in Political Science. We offer a hosted rental at our home in South Kona. We are
compliant with taxes.
I'm offering the following testimony in Opposition to Bill 108.
I believe that the legislation in its current form is highly punitive and draconian and will punish an
entire class of residents and homeowners suddenly, radically and unfairly. It will also have a
cascading effect and start to cause economic downturn for the thousands of folks who help
maintain and service the vacation rental industry. It will also impact the real estate market,
especially the second home market. People will pass on real estate if they can't rent it out in the
way they wish to. Have you thought about what this legislation is going to do to our delicate
island economy?
Some regulation may be needed for vacation rentals, but your legislation goes far beyond what
is necessary and will effectively discourage and eliminate thousands of taxpaying citizens from
renting their homes as they see fit.
Presently, tourists visiting the island have lots of choice about where to stay. Many like to book
affordable, circle-island trips and stay in South Kona, Pahoa, Volcano, Hawi and Kailua Kona
during their trip. During these visits, they eat at restaurants, shop at souvenir stores, visit the
national parks and purchase activities such as tours.
When they only option is an expensive hotel, people simply won't come. They will choose
Mexico and other destinations.
Short-term rentals bring many positive economic benefits to our island community, especially in
the rural areas, where there are not a lot of jobs or opportunities. People in these rural areas
could work in management, maintenance, repairs, construction, service, housekeeping and
other jobs supporting the vacation rental industry. What will they do when the vacation rentals
are gone?
The island has been hit very very hard by natural disasters in 2018. Hurricanes, volcanic
eruptions, unhealthy air and more have caused a plummet in our tourist numbers. It will add
insult to injury to eliminate a viable way for people to earn income through vacation rentals.
Comm. No. 139'✓45
Ref. To: P 1 P
Ref. Date OCT 15 2018
It's also worth noting that vacation rentals and long term rentals are two different markets. If the
right to vacation rent is removed from homeowners, that doesn't automatically mean those
owners will desire to be landlords. Many won't, especially without eviction support and backup
here on this island. So they will sell and/or close up their homes.
I believe all legislation must be paused until a non-partisan and independent economic impact
statement Is undertaken, at the very least.
Sincerely,
Kyle K. Jones
Homeowner, South Kona