HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0739.382 2016-2018 P/CdACi(
COUNTY CLERK OMR, V
COUNTY OF HAWAII
From: Mark&Lucretia Worster
To: Council Testimony I pp}}tA! f}� n
Subject: Testimony for Bill 108 10 8 - All 9O: 28
Date: Wednesday,October 31,2018 2:29:47 PM
I would like to voice my opposition to the current version of Bill 108.I understand you want to pass
something as quickly as possible,but we are begging you to please take into consideration the economic
impact your decision will have on the livelihoods of so many local people.
Please,we need an economic impact study created before any further votes. Putting a law in place and then
"fixing it later",after the damage is done,will only hurt local families.
First,this bill is written for Kona.They obviously have some problems with noise and parking,but there are
already laws on the books to address these issues.
Second,the bill is vague in some very important areas. Michael Ye has made it clear at multiple council
meetings that the goal of the Planning Department is to get rid of non-confirming certificates entirely. The
fact that there is no clear path for new rentals is extremely concerning for towns such as ours that have
depended on the vacationing public since the plantation days—both from across the world and across the
island. There has been testimony that about 20%of rentals turn over each year. Under this bill we could be
looking at no rentals in Volcano five years from now.
Third,and probably the most important,is preserving our culture by saving our economy. I have personally
experienced the tremendous family that is our incredible island.Part of that is the ability to make a living
near where you live. Because of the businesses in our little town,there are high paying,flexible jobs that
allow people to work near their homes,to pick their kids up from school,and to be part of their community.
During the eruption when stores closed early and shifts were cut,some people had to find work in Hilo.
Over an hour a day in the car for jobs that paid less than half what jobs in Volcano paid. It was a very hard
four months. We do not want that to become our future.
We need your help.This is not a bill about rich,off-island investors. It's about the small towns and small
businesses that make living in Hawaii possible.
Again I humbly ask for an economic impact study so that you are fully educated and aware of how this
decision will touch the lives of your constants.
Mahalo for your kokua.
Mark and Lucretia Worster
business owners in Volcano,Hawaii
Comm. No.1 M.382.-
Ref. To: P(cunG I _
Ref. Date NOV 01 2013