HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-01 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Teresa Kualaau Testimony From: TERESA KUALAAU
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Bill No.121
Date: Monday,April 1, 2024 10:59:10 PM
I oppose changes to"Owner-hosted transient accommodation rentals".
This is my story:
I retired in 2017 after 35 1/2 years in banking.We started getting grandchildren and I wanted to"be there"for them.
I was not able to be a stay home mom for our own children and wanted to be that for our grandchildren. Our
children benefited by having peace of mind while they go to work and provide for their households.I told my
husband that this would be my second chance to be that"stay home tutu",I would not have a third.I warned him
that my income would come to a complete stop but I didn't want to miss out.We took a leap of faith.
We had an extra room downstairs,so I told my husband that I wanted to be a host for Airbnb.I made sure that I was
legal from the very beginning and did all that was required of me. Our Airbnb income
has not replaced my income,but living here in Hawaii,every little bit helps.
We are locals,Kamaaina,born and raised in the islands.Aloha is in our blood.Airbnb attracts a different type of
traveler.The type that enjoy the accommodations we provide. They contribute to our local economy by spending
their dollars on activities,eating at local restaurants that we recommend and most important to our income.They are
not the same travelers that would take up lodging at hotels and resorts.If not for Airbnb,they would not come to
Hawaii.
We are locals who depend on this income to survive in our own home. We are not on the same playing field as the
hotels and resorts,yet we are taxed as though we are equal business.We are a small mom and pop business.
I understand that"outsiders"buy entire homes for short term rentals.I agree that those purchases should
not be allowed.Again,I state that we are kamaaina renting a single room in our house that we have lived in for the
past 42 years.We are not on the same playing field.This is our home that we upkeep and pay our taxes.We should
be able to say what we want to do with our spare room.
We are a simple couple trying to survive in our own home state where we were born and raised.Bill no. 121 is so
complicated! Sixteen pages! We can't afford an attorney to review and explain to us,so we do the best we can to
understand it.Keep it simple.Kamaaina,owner hosted,renting a room in their house,has a GE license,pays their
taxes,no complaints. Simple!
We have hosted for 6 years. We are
mindful Kamaaina.That's how we were raised.We share what we have and we care for each other. This is a room,
not an entire house that should be in the rental pool.We like having the flexibility to block dates when family and
friends come to visit.
In closing,I ask to please do not clump all short term vacation rentals into one.Please exclude owner-hosted
transient accommodation rentals.
I am not able to make the hearing due to my husband's health and hope that this letter will be read as intended.
Please call
me at(808)640-6773.
Malama pono,
Teresa Kualaau
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