HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.377 2016-2018 9/council
COM. -MCI
From: Jessica 0"Neill
COUNTY of HA11
To: Council Testimony ,{y ,6'
Subject: Bill 108 2DOCT 3 q 1 �,iL1 qhs '
Date: Saturday,October 27,2018 8:32:57 AM 1 S
Dear Council Members; 1�g
I am writing today in reference to Bill 108, concerning vacation rentals in Hawaii County. As
someone who loves the state of Hawaii, and in particular the Big Island, and more specifically
the beautiful small communities of Pahoa and South Kona, I hope you will reconsider the
implementation of the onerous conditions Bill 108 would impose on the 179 independent
vacation rentals in Hawaii County.
It is my understanding that a "3 hour" rule is being considered,which does not differentiate
between owners who live in Hawaii, and those who live an ocean away. Please reconsider this
rule. Additionally, 2 simple changes would allow locals to continue to offer rentals to those of
us who love your island, but are not able live there at this time:
1. Grandfather in all vacation rentals where owners can show they have paid taxes due
over the 12 months prior to the bill passing
2. Redefine a hosted rental as any where the owner resides in the same community.
What I love about staying in small independently run places when I visit your beautiful island is the
time I get to spend with the people, not hotel staff and other tourists in a big resort. I love being
able to get to know the locals, being able to see and experience the real Hawaii, and contributing
to the local small economy instead of some faceless corporate coffers.
Please don't take that experience away from so many of us, and destroy the livelihoods of so
many wonderful Hawaiian families.
Mahalo nui loa,
Jessica D. O'Neill
707 Wild Dunes Circle
Wilmington NC 28411
Comm. No. q•ri
Ref. To: P l cou nU I
Ref. Date NOV 01 2018