HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-05 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Jason Green From: Jason Green
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Urgent Call for Reevaluation of Bill 121"s Impact on Local Communities
Date: Friday,April 5, 2024 3:54:03 PM
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni St.
Unit 1502
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Chairman Lin,
hope this letter finds you well.
My name is Jason Green, and I am a resident of Pahoa. I am writing to express
my concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impact on our local
communities. While I agree that there is a problem with current STVR's on Big
Island and understand the intention behind the bill is to regulate short-term
vacation rentals, I believe there are significant issues that need to be addressed
to ensure fairness and effectiveness.
Firstly, the bill's current form seems to overlook the importance of
enforceability. Without a clear and practical enforcement plan, the regulations
may become ineffective, leading to continued non-compliance and further
issues. It is crucial that we find a balance that respects private property rights
while addressing community concerns.
Secondly, the bill appears to create inequity among property owners. It is
essential that all property owners, regardless of whether they live on or off-
sight, are treated equally under the law. This ensures fairness and prevents any
undue advantage or disadvantage to specific groups. Rules can be imposed,
such as:
• Must be a resident of the state of Hawaii
• Cannot own and/or operate more than 2 STVR's in the state
• Must operate under a state registered business name & license which will
also mandate yearly business reports and utilize an existing system
owned by the state
Lastly, the lack of comprehensive data to support the bill's provisions is
concerning. Without proper studies, such as an economic impact study or an
affordable housing study, it is challenging to predict the bill's effects on our
community. The known impact would be:
• Vacationers will be condensed to designated accommodation areas
which would only support the large corporations.
• Small businesses (House cleaning, maintenance workers, landscaping,
restaurants, small shops, the list goes on), owned and operated by local
families in our communities, will collapse.
• Housing prices will plummet as the market will be saturated with vacant
homes as owners sell.
• Abandoned homes leave room for squatters and crime which will be
difficult to manage in an already strained Law Enforcement system.
Making informed decisions is critical to avoid unintended consequences that
could harm our local economy, housing market, and small family businesses.
Therefore, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the
following recommendation:
• Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and
where guests stay, ensuring fairness for all property owners.
• Recommend streamlining the registration process to make it more
accessible and less invasive for property owners.
• Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the bill's
implications on our community.
I believe that by addressing these concerns, we can work towards regulations
that are fair, enforceable, and beneficial to all stakeholders involved. Thank you
for your time and consideration of my requests.
Mahalo nui loa,
Jason Green
U-7200 KII NANI ST, PAHOA HI 96778
808-494-6222
i asonsgreen&gmail.com