HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Dan Falvey Testimony From: Kathy Ooara
To: W PCtesti mony
Subject: Reassessing Bill 121 comments
Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 1:08:34 PM
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawai'i
25 Aupum St.
Unit 1502
Hilo HI96720
Aloha Chairman Lin
Asa property owner in Hawai'i County, and a short-term rental host since
September 2017 I am reaching out to express my concerns regarding Bill 121.
My wife and I are retirees who spend approximately 7 months each year in Hawai'i,
the remaining 5 months we short term rent our house. The ability to short-term rent
our home not only contributes to the local economy through diligent payment of
TA and GE taxes, but has also played a significant role in supporting both locals
who need transitional housing while buying a new home in Hawai'i, and the
Hawai'i's tourism indust
Hawaii is our home for most of the year, but while we are gone, my propertyhas
helped hundreds of visitors enjoy their stay on the Big Island without the high
costs associated with hotel accommodations. I have also hosted more than a dozen
local individuals who need short-term transitional housing while they are buying
and selling their homes in Hawai'i. My propertyalso contributes significant income
to the local contractors who I hire to manage and clean the property between
uests.
The service I provide has been crucial in making Hawai'i accessible to a broader
audience and to accommodate locals with short-term transitional housing needs.
This, in turn, has had a positive impact on our local economy. Visitors and locals
who stay in short-term rentals like mine contribute to the community by dining in
restaurants, purchasing local goods, and participating in paid tours, among other
activities. This ripple effect supports a wide range of businesses and contributes to
the economic vitality of our island.
Given the substantial benefits that short-term rentals offer to both the local
community and visitors, I am deeply concerned about the potential impacts of Bill
121. I fear that the proposed regulations may not only_jeopardize the livelihoods of
hosts like myself but also diminish the accessibility of Hawai'i to a broader range o
visitors.
Therefore, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the
following:
1. Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the contributions of
short-term rentals to our economy.
2. lRecommend the removal of restrictive and invasive registration
requirements that could hinder the operation of short-term rentals.
3. lEnsure that regulations do not unfairly penalize responsible hosts who
have consistently contributed to the county's revenue and tourism industry.
By addressing these concerns we can ensure that short-term rentals continue to
play a vital role in Hawai'i's tourism and economy, benefiting both residents and
visitors alike.
Mahalo for your attention to these matters. I trust that the Commission will
carefully consider the positive contributions of short-term rentals and seek solutions
that support the interests of all stakeholders.
Dan Falve
73-1161 Ahikawa St.
Kailua Kona HI 96740
907-738-8710