HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-14 Support Testimony Aina Paikai From: 'Aina Paikai
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: LeeAnne and Evan Loney(PL-SPP-2023-000045)
Date: Monday,August 14,2023 11:19:28 AM
Attachments: Loney BnB(1).docx
Apologies,
Resending testimony with address and notice that I am representing myself. Please see
attached.
Mahalo,
Aina Paikai
`Aina Paikai
98-1388 Hinu PI.Apt. D
Pearl City, HI 96782
Representing myself as an individual
Letter of Support for the Loney `ohana B&B rental
To whom it may concern,
Aloha. My name is `Aina Paikai. I was born and raised on the island of Oahu and a native
descendant of the Hawaiian islands. I am a long time friend of the Loney family and fully support
their needs for approved permitting to continue their B & B rental in Holualoa on the island of
Hawaii.
My family of 4 has had the pleasant opportunity to stay at the Loney residence on a number of
occasions and for weeks at a time. They have all the facilities needed to care for our family,
including space and privacy, but more welcomed is their hospitality and comradery. Whenever
there is a reason for our family to visit the Kona coast, whether for work or pleasure, we always
inquire with the Loney `ohana to see if space is available, and if so, they always open their
doors, free of charge.
In our most recent case however, my wife, who is a lineal descendant of Kahalu`u-Keauhou,
was invited to speak on a panel and we wanted to once again stay with our dear friends,
however they were booked that same weekend. Once we looked at the hotel rates in Kona, it
was rather shocking to see how much our stay would cost and it quickly became evident that we
couldn't afford to bring the entire family.
Because of the Loney's generosity and compassion, they make it possible so that we are able
to make familial connections to our ancestral lands, as well as maintain our close relationships
with each other. What's best is that our children have formed their own piling and refer to each
other as "cousins."
As a resident in these islands, I agree to needing regulations for short-term rentals, however I
see the Loney's as a prime example on how to safely manage a property that accommodates
tourists and kama`aina alike, while being good hosts and respectful neighbors.
I choose to stay at B & B rentals nearly every time we travel inter-island or abroad, especially as
a family. Resorts don't offer the same type of capacity and affordability that rentals do. And if it
is at all possible, I choose to support local home-owners, like the Loney's, so that I know my
dollars are going back to a family that cares about Hawaii and lives in the islands full-time.
Please consider this message in your selection of special permitting.
Mahalo,
`Aina Paikai