2024-04-06 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Kona Blue

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From: Kona Blue To: LPCtestimony Subject: Urgent Need for Reevaluation of Bill 121"s Impact on Local Communities Date: Saturday,April 6,2024 4:48:48 PM Chairman Dennis Lin Windward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni St. Unit 1502 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Chairman Lin, I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our local communities, particularly in terms of enforceability, inequity, and the transformation of neighborhoods. As a owner of a single family home in Kailua Kona, I have witnessed firsthand over the last 8 years the positive contributions that short-term rentals bring to our local economy and the sense of 'ohana they foster among visitors and residents alike. However, Bill 121, as it currently stands, threatens to disrupt this balance and result in servere negative financial impact to many locals and small businesses offering services to vacational rentals and the local community alike. The bill's requirements, such as the affidavit requirement and intrusive reporting, pose significant challenges for property owners and operators, making it difficult for them to comply. This not only creates an environment of inequity but also places an undue burden on the Planning Department's staff, diverting resources from other critical areas. Moreover, the transformation of neighborhoods into exclusive zones, where only certain types of accommodations are permitted, undermines the spirit of aloha that defines our island. It restricts the ability of residents to share their homes and the beauty of Hawaii with visitors, which has long been a tradition in our communities. For this reason, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations: Remove the affidavit requirement to ease the burden on property owners and operators streamline the registration process to make it more accessible and less invasive for homeowners Remove the intrusive reporting requirements to protect the privacy and rights of property owners. These recommendations aim to address the key issues of enforceability, inequity, and the transformation of neighborhoods, ensuring that the regulations are fair, manageable, and in line with the values of our community. I urge the Planning Commission to reconsider the current approach to Bill 121 and to engage in a more inclusive and comprehensive discussion on how we can regulate short- term rentals in a way that benefits all stakeholders as there is a lot at stake for individuals, small business and the community as a whole. Mahalo for your attention to this matter.