HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-06 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Bob & Kathy Fitts From: Bob&Kathy Fitts
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Concerns Regarding Bill 121 and Its Impact on Local Economy and Livelihoods
Date: Saturday,April 6,2024 7:33:45 AM
Aloha Leeward Planning Commission,
My husband and I are 69 years old and have been proud residents of Kailua-Kona since
1982. We own a condo on Alii Drive, which we operate as a registered full-time vacation
rental. This venture not only supplements our income but also supports local workers
through contracted housekeeping and handyman services. We are writing to express our
strong opposition to Bill 121 due to the restrictions it imposes on the vacation rental
industry, which is crucial to the island's economy.
Tourism is the lifeblood of our island, and the taxes we pay, including General Excise Tax,
Transient Accommodations Tax, Property Tax, and Income Tax, significantly contribute to
the State and County's revenue. The proposed restrictions in Bill 121 threaten to undermine
this vital industry, potentially leading to a decrease in these tax revenues that are essential
for the island's services and infrastructure.
We understand the Planning Commission's concerns regarding enforceability, and the
transformation of neighborhoods. However, we believe that the solution lies not in
imposing restrictive measures but in finding a balanced approach that respects private
property rights while addressing these concerns. To this end, we respectfully request the
Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations:
Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of Bill 121 on the
local economy and the vacation rental industry.
Streamline the registration process for vacation rentals to make it more efficient and less
invasive for property owners.
Recommend the removal of any rules or regulations that already exist in law, such as quiet
hours and parking requirements, to avoid redundancy and overregulation.
The vacation rental industry is not only a source of income for many families like ours but
also a key component of the island's tourism-driven economy. We urge the Planning
Commission to consider the broader economic impact and seek a more balanced
approach that supports both the community and the vacation rental industry.
Mahalo for your consideration.
Kathryn Fitts
76-6309 Haku PI Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
8089871459