HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Nicholas Lepisto Testimony From: Nicholas Lepisto
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Urgent Need for Reconsideration of Bill 121 Provisions
Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 9:38:44 AM
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni St.
Unit 1502
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Chairman Lin,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Nicholas Lepisto, and I am a resident of
Hawaii, living at 76-6312 Mahuahua PI. I am writing to you today to express my concerns
regarding Bill 121 and to offer some recommendations that I believe could benefit our
community and address some of the issues raised by the bill.
Firstly, I am concerned about the enforceability of the bill and the potential inequity it
could create among property owners. It is crucial that we ensure equal treatment for all,
regardless of whether a property owner lives on-site or if the operator is a lessor or
caretaker living on-site. This fairness is essential for maintaining the aloha spirit that defines
our community.
Moreover, the bill's current stance on where hosts live and where guests stay seems to
overreach. As long as the owner is in the same building, on the same parcel, or on an
adjacent parcel, it should not be the county's place to dictate where individuals can and
cannot sleep. This restriction feels unnecessarily invasive and contrary to the values of
privacy and autonomy.
Lastly, the bill's approach to alternative accommodations such as tiny homes, tents, trailers,
and other non-traditional living spaces lacks clarity. It is vital for the commission to
recommend that Hawaii County provide clear guidelines for these types of
accommodations. This clarity will help preserve the diverse and inclusive nature of our
island's accommodations, ensuring that all forms of housing are recognized and
appropriately regulated.
In light of these concerns, I kindly request the Planning Commission to consider the
following recommendations:
1. Recommend equal treatment of property owners who live on-site and operators who do
not own the property but live on-site as lessors or caretakers.
2. Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, as
long as the owner is in the same building, on the same parcel, or on an adjacent parcel.
3. Recommend that Hawaii County provide clarity for tiny homes, tents, trailers, and other
alternative accommodations.
I believe these recommendations will address some of the critical issues with Bill 121 and
help ensure that our community remains a welcoming and equitable place for all residents
and visitors.
Mahalo for your time and consideration of these matters. I look forward to your response
and am hopeful for a resolution that benefits our beloved community.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Nicholas Lepisto
76-6312 Mahuahua PI
8582322506