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From: Patricia Cadiz <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Oppose Bill 121 <br /> Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 11:13:17 AM <br /> Chairman Dennis Lin <br /> Windward Planning Commission <br /> County of Hawaii <br /> 25 Aupuni St. <br /> Unit 1502 <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Aloha Chairman Lin, <br /> I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed Bill 121 and its potential impacts on <br /> our community. As a resident of Hawaii, I believe it is crucial to address the issues of <br /> Enforceability, Inequity, and the Transformation of Neighborhoods that this bill might <br /> bring. <br /> Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. Without clear guidelines and <br /> sufficient resources for enforcement, the bill may not achieve its intended goals, leading to <br /> confusion and inconsistency in its application. This could unfairly penalize well-meaning <br /> property owners while failing to address the root issues it aims to solve. <br /> Secondly, the bill introduces inequity by not considering the diverse circumstances of <br /> property owners. For example, it does not differentiate between those who rely on short- <br /> term rentals as a primaryjob/source of income and those who do so occasionally. This <br /> one-size-fits-all approach could disproportionately affect families and individuals, like my <br /> daughter, who depend on this income to afford to stay in Hawaii, where she was born and <br /> raised. <br /> Lastly, the transformation of neighborhoods is a concern that cannot be overlooked. While <br /> the intention to preserve the character of our communities is understandable, it is essential <br /> to balance this with the rights of our ohana and the economic benefits that short-term <br /> rentals bring to our ohanas. <br /> To address these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the <br /> following recommendations: <br /> Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, <br /> ensuring flexibility for property owners while maintaining community integrity. <br /> Recommend streamlining the registration process to make it more accessible and less <br /> burdensome for homeowners. <br /> Recommend the inclusion of an undue hardship clause to protect homeowners at risk of <br /> losing their housing due to the bill's requirements. <br /> I believe these recommendations will help mitigate the potential negative impacts of Bill 121 <br />