HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.374 2016-2018 pi audio I
COMM..1
From: Letha Marchetti
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Vacation Rental Legislation
Date: Saturday,October 27,2018 11:25:02 AM
Esteemed Council,
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I understand there is pending legislation that will substantially affect lodging on
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the Big Island. Some places I have stayed may become illegal because they are c
vacation houses. Far from being a detriment to neighborhoods, vacation rentals —► —+
are generally, an asset in every way. 'J
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You see, my Hawaii is not exemplified by resorts. It is the natural beauty of the =r—
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Big Island and her people that draw me. The wonder of being able to lean over r�
steamy volcanic vents in the chilly altitude and then return to a tree house and w
soak in a hot tub is so unlike my native California. a` _..
Being able to ride a horse in Waipio Valley and settle for the night in a real home,
not a hotel, is my style. Without gracious people renting their homes, these
experiences are bookended with extended drives and lose the native, homey
comfort.
Surely Hawaii wants people like me to return again and again, bringing a respect
and awe for the diversity and beauty of your glorious island. If my visits there are
relegated to resorts, I may as well enjoy the warmer weather, resorts with beaches,
swimming pools and palm trees in San Diego. It is closer and less expensive.
We are going through similar pressure from the hotel industry in some of our
communities here in California. It is a powerful industry and it pushes, in this
case, to the detriment of all but themselves. This is not the aloha spirit of Hawaii.
Imagine what will happen if you pass this law. Businesses will leave the island.
Tourists will go elsewhere. By the time you realize the consequences, it will take
years to rebuild what was lost. Those who run these successful vacation homes
will have moved on.
Please do not enact this damaging legislation.
Aloha,
Letha Marchetti OTR/L, C/NDT, SEP
Comm. it 31_ 4Ref. To:llC0unC
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