Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.375 2016-2018 9- COUNTY CLERK COMM. 1 BOUNTY OF HAWAII From: Dennis To: Council Testimony 11118 - r 1O: 28 Subject: Bill 108 Testimony NOVlitdl MI !9J Date: Wednesday,October 31,2018 11:14:46 AM Aloha Members of Hawaii County Council. I am aware of the November 2 hearing for Bill 108 but I am unable to attend this.meeting due to other obligations. I submitted verbal testimony at the 10/16/18 hearing. I am writing today to again express my opposition to Bill 108. As I expressed in my 10/16 verbal testimony, I firmly believe Bill 108 will be economically devastating to Hawaii island. I own a business taking care of vacation rentals. I also own a vacation rental. Again, as I expressed in my verbal testimony Bill 108 will affect the livelihoods of so many in our community. So few of the property owners we work with are what are referred to as "off island investors." Many of the vacation rentals we are responsible for are actually on-island owners who need assistance with the upkeep. Many others live part time on the island and rent their homes out while they are away. Although these folks do not currently live on island full time, most have a dream of doing so one day-when they reach retirement or when other life obligations permit.The income they earn helps to pay the mortgage, property taxes and various other expenses incurred by home ownership. Of the 25 or so properties we care for, I cannot think of even one owner that would fit the definition of only being an "investor". In addition, ALL are operating legally- paying their due GET and TAT as required. Also, all of the people who work with us in the service industry pay their get as well as appropriate state and federal taxes. All of our service providers earn a minimum of$20/hour and most even higher.This represents a much higher wage than can be earned in most jobs in the community- especially lower Puna. I have been made aware that the Hawaii County Council believes that an economic impact statement would not be worthwhile because there is "no data to compare."This highly inaccurate statement was also mentioned by Stephanie Donoho representing the Kohala Coast Resort Association at the 10/16 hearing. During the 2018 eruption event, one of my colleagues sent me a Preliminary Business Damage Assessment Form. I shared it with many of my contacts in the industry. We completed and submitted it. I Comm. No. ��•V G� Ref. To: P Ic ound I Ref. Date NOV 0 j 201$ 4 • A + " • I received a sponse from a representative within the Hawaii County Office- Department of Research and Development quoted below (bold and color added by me). This is otherwise a copy/paste of her email: "Thank you so much for taking the time to complete the form during challenging circumstances.The vacation rental community has been just devastated.It's so sad. As the title of the form suggests,this is a preliminary step which involves making the case for state and federal assistance.if vhen assistance is released,there should be a broad public announcement by the state and federal agencies involved. We will follow up by forwarding that information to everyone who submitted preliminary assessment forms to us.The agencies providing the assistance will,I'm sure,have their list of information required. What we've been advising business owners is to start gathering and organization as much documentation and records related to their business as possible in preparation for potential assistance.Note that I'm carefully stating "potential."I'm hoping that the assistance will come. In the meantime,the information you and all the others have provided help immensely toward making the case for assistance. We will stay in touch;please feel free to contact us any time with any questions or concerns." TO Tins DAY 1 HAVE NEVER BEEN CONTACTED! Nor have my contacts in the industry who completed the form.I find it highly unacceptable that the county council has made a statement that they have nothing to compare when there has been NO attempt at follow through communication into this matter. Stating that you do not have information is to compare is highly DISHONEST and INACCURATE. Please consider where the support for this bill is coming from - it should be obvious to anyone paying attention. Likewise, there are also far more pressing issues currently affecting Hawaii Island that require attention. Once again, Bill 108 will be devastating to Hawaii Island - especially lower Puna. Please at the very least have the decency to agree to the five year grace period for lower Puna as presented by Council member O'Hara. I am willing to speak with any or all of you further on this matter. Please feel free to contact me. Dennis McFerrin 808.333.7993 • • i:.