HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-15 Bill 123 Penny Lee From: Penny Lee
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Testimony regarding Bill 123 for Leeward Planning Commission
Date: Monday,April 15,2024 3:01:19 PM
Aloha Chair DeFranco and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission,
Bill 123 has not been very well thought through. As a result of this bill where would
these ADUs most likely be popping up? Would they be affordable? Who would
benefit?
For example, it seems to incentivize building ADUs in urban zoning only, currently
only 2% of the island. Both Kona and Hilo already have major infrastructure issues
(sewer, water, traffic...). On the other hand, there are many residentially taxed
agricultural parcels that can't have ADUs, based on this bill.
How would ADUs make sense in other urban zoned areas? ADU behind a car repair
shop? ADU in downtown Honokaa? Just removing all the restrictions and letting them
"go wild" seems irresponsible.
To outright ban vacation rentals in ADUs and ADUs on vacation rental properties
doesn't make sense. Homeowners need a variety of options to adapt to changing life
situations. Maybe the bread winner of the family suddenly dies. Or the daughter goes
to university on the mainland. Or they just grew older and they need to supplement
their social security and the ohana is empty now. Why deny them this option? Not
EVERYBODY wants to or will run a vacation rental, especially if it's on the same
parcel they live. The originators of this set of bills are so intent on destroying vacation
rentals that they are missing the overall picture. They have lost touch with what most
families here on the island area really dealing with in order to live here. Many are
wondering why people move away, simply because they run out of options.
Thank you for volunteering on this important commission and reading my comment,
Penny Lee