HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-03 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Guthrie de Bruyn Testimony From: Guthrie de Bruvn
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: OPPOSITION OF BILL 121
Date: Wednesday,April 3,2024 8:20:50 PM
Re: OPPOSITION OF BILL 121
To Whom It May Concern,
Thank you for taking the time to read this and giving it your thoughtful reflection and consideration.Although I feel
that this is pointless, since the bill went through even though there was overwhelming opposition, I am hopeful that
maybe this time around people's voices will be considered and heard.
I am providing images from the outcome of the votes cast on hicountytar.consider.it. This space was created by
Ashely Kierkiewicz and Heather Kimball to get the community to weigh in on various aspects of the proposed
updates to the TAR code. It states that, "public feedback is actively being considered and being used to refine bill
language." As of February 9th, 2024 this is where the opinions stand: All of these options are now"Closed to new
contributions"and "The forum host has frozen this forum so no changes can be made." It seems as though they
are not using any of this feedback, that they asked for, to write and revise Bill 121.
SUPPORT FOR TARS SECTION:
What is your opinion of Transient Accommodation Rentals?(Overwhelming Support)
Do TARs take away from housing opportunities?(Overwhelming Opposition)
Do TARs add to the local economy?(Overwhelming Support)
Pathway and time for unpermitted structures operating as TARs to get necessary approvals(Overwhelming
Su 1212 ort
REGISTRATION OF TARS SECTION:
Owners of existing hosted TARs may continue operations while registration application is being reviewed
(Overwhelming Support)
Identifying TARS as unpermitted in all ads and rental contracts(More opposition than support]
TAR registration can be transferred to new owner if Change of Ownership for is submitted and notification letters
sent(Overwhelming Support)
Owner of primary residence should be allowed to register to be a hosted TAR at any time-this includes portion of
main home, 'ohana unit, guesthouse, detached bedroom
(Overwhelming Support)
Hosting platforms should have some responsibility for ensuring that TARs listed on their sites are operation legally
(Overwhelming Support)
TAR FEED &FINES SECTION:
Initial Registration Fees(Overwhelming Opposition)
Annual Renewal Fees(Overwhelming Opposition)
Penalty Fees(Overwhelming Opposition)
VACATION NODES SECTION:
All properties within the approved vacation node map area may register to operate a hosted or un-hosted TAR and
would no longer have to file a NUC (Overwhelming Support)_
There should be a minimum number of contiguous parcels that make up a vacation node area (Overwhelming
Opposition)
This website was put in place by council members,why would they shut it down and ignore it if you are trying to
get public opinion? Is it proving that Bill 121 is a bad idea and they are not happy with the feedback? It doesn't
seem very open to public discussion if you are locking one of the only options to weigh in.
Unfortunately, all of these people's voices and comments are set aside because two people from Heather
Kimball's district moved due to STVR(stated in the Big Island Now Article)and who knows what other things are
pushing this bill, maybe hotel lobbyists? Imagine how many people will be unable to stay in their homes and
possibly become homeless themselves due to this bill, it truly blows my mind.
On Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, Economist Paul Brewbaker was on Sunrise Hawaii News Now discussing the
health of Hawaii's economy, and the upcoming annual forum on Pacific-Asia. He said, "Hawaii has become
unaffordable for Japanese travelers."Getting rid of so many STVRs will only worsen this situation.
I would also like to add that I think it is irresponsible and dangerous how loosely the authors of this bill are using
the words, "GRANDFATHERED IN", to sell it to the community and to other council members. This is very vague
and misleading. It will instantly shut down a ton of STVRs due to zoning and permitting issues which seems to be
hidden in the writing if the bill itself.
I am a stay at home mom of two. I am able to work from home and take care of the needs of my family thanks to
our STVR. This bill would kill all of that for me and my family's future along with so many other families out there
surviving on their small hosted STVRs. I find it ironic that women are trying to take away jobs from other women
just to further they political careers, such a shame and what a legacy.
Thank you for your time and please consider the public's voices and not two Council Women who are trying to
SHOVE/PUSH this bill through no matter what. I look forward to voting for a new county council member this year
along with many other Puna voters!
Guthrie de Bruyn
15-2714 Pahoa Village Road Unit H1 #208
Pahoa, HI 96779
authrie.debruyn(d)amail.com