HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.346 2016-2018 pip ,
COUNTY CLERK COttt,/51
COUNTY OF HAWAI'I
RECEIVED
Time 'S0
From: Rachelle Onaka Date ( • WIZ
To: Council Testimony
Cc: Eoff,Karen; Baez,Wendy;Kanuha,Dru;David,Maile;Wessel,Leinani
Subject: Bill 108-Public Testimony Submittal for hearing on October 16th
Date: Monday,October 15,2018 8:17:11 PM
Aloha Hawaii County Council,
I have read Bill 108 Draft 4 and our family is feeling devastated. Our Short Term Rentals are in State
Land Use Agricultural District, with Hawaii County zoning A-5A.These rentals have become a primary
source of income for our family and is the only way we are affording two of our children's college.
educations, increased property taxes, insurance and other expenses that burden homeowners. This
parcel is 1.3 acres that is almost fully planted in coffee with exception to the structures, driveways and
parking area. The labor cost/burden on my aging father forced him to lease out the coffee farm,
eliminating any need for housing of farm workers, the lessee paid my parents $800. for the entire 2017
season.The income from farm activity cannot sustain the expenses of owning this property.
We are extremely worried that such options as"grandfathering" and special use permits have been
deleted in this current draft. We urge the County Council to take additional time to come up with
alternative options and research the impact of the current Draft of Bill 108 to our community, AG lands
and income earning potential to the working class that are struggling to afford the cost of living in
Hawaii. Please look at possible solutions to allowing Short term Rentals on Ag land through: '
Agricultural tourism conducted on a working farm, or a farming operation as
defined in section 165-2, for the enjoyment, education, or involvement of.
visitors. (Is this a possible option?)
Take action through the State Legislature to CHANGE the State Land Use 205-4.5(a)(4) Hawaii Revised
Statutes regarding Permissible uses to specifically allow short and long term rentals within the agricultural
districts. I think a large percentage of Farm Dwellings on AG lands are not in compliance with this
statute. Hawaii County would have a housing crisis if long term rentals that are not owner occupied
properties and are not used for farm activity were regulated the same as this draft of Bill 108 is
proposing to regulate and stop Short term rentals. Our family has both short and long term rentals on Ag
lands, they are both beneficial to our community and family. Please look for options to allow short term
rentals on State Land Use Ag District properties and propose a new draft of Bill 108.
We have Sincere Aloha for your time and concern for the People of Hawaii County.
Mahalo, Rachelle Onaka
Comm. No.739 ''MIC
Ref. To: P IPC
Ref. Date Da 15 2018