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From: hawaiitodavCcbvahoo.corn <br /> To: LPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Bill 121 <br /> Date: Monday,April 15,2024 12:52:59 PM <br /> strongly support Bill 121.TARS have raised local housing costs significantly.I know many local people who are <br /> afraid to testify against airbnbs because they have a family member connected to the tourism industry or their <br /> employer/co-worker owns an Airbnb.Others do not want to risk the wrath of Airbnb owners or are too busy trying <br /> to survive in order to pay attention to local politics. <br /> I also support an amendment that units have to be permitted by the county(not just an affidavit that they are safe).I <br /> see new ag owners whose past owners used to rent out their unpermitted coffee shacks at low prices to locals now <br /> rent out 4-6 units with a shared bathroom and kitchen at over$150 per day each to tourists. I still have working <br /> friends who rent these units at$800 to$900 per month but the owners are elderly.When they pass,there will be <br /> nowhere affordable left.Where will our small businesses be then?How many more workers will be forced to sleep <br /> in their cars or move away?How about our nursing homes?Our hospitals are overcrowded because Lifecare does <br /> not have enough staff. <br /> The excessive tourism that airbnbs promote takes a huge toll on our environmental and infrastructure resources.It <br /> puts tourists in rural areas with few lifeguarded beaches while adding little to the local economy.I have seen air bnb <br /> ads promoting"swimming with the dolphins".I have two friends who work in the Airbnb industry as on-property <br /> hosts.They are disgusted with the travelers'trips to Costco and how little they spend on the local economy as well <br /> as the enormous profits the homeowners are making.However,my friends work there in order to have a place to <br /> sleep as rental costs have skyrocketed beyond their means. <br /> Finally,It is proven that housing instability exacerbates mental health issues,substance abuse,and family conflict <br /> with children being raised in these high-risk environments. Where is the harm prevention and care for our local <br /> families?When the county needs to find housing for police officers,)who have decent pay and are seen by others as <br /> likely to be responsible tenants),that are moving from off island,something is seriously wrong. <br /> I know that TAR owners will be there in full force to testify and you will be urged to reject Bill 121.Please stand <br /> strong for our community's sake.Promote the local way;People before profits <br /> Thank you, <br /> Kevin Miller <br />