HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-15 Bill 121 Kevin Miller From: hawaiitodavCcbvahoo.corn
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Bill 121
Date: Monday,April 15,2024 12:52:59 PM
strongly support Bill 121.TARS have raised local housing costs significantly.I know many local people who are
afraid to testify against airbnbs because they have a family member connected to the tourism industry or their
employer/co-worker owns an Airbnb.Others do not want to risk the wrath of Airbnb owners or are too busy trying
to survive in order to pay attention to local politics.
I also support an amendment that units have to be permitted by the county(not just an affidavit that they are safe).I
see new ag owners whose past owners used to rent out their unpermitted coffee shacks at low prices to locals now
rent out 4-6 units with a shared bathroom and kitchen at over$150 per day each to tourists. I still have working
friends who rent these units at$800 to$900 per month but the owners are elderly.When they pass,there will be
nowhere affordable left.Where will our small businesses be then?How many more workers will be forced to sleep
in their cars or move away?How about our nursing homes?Our hospitals are overcrowded because Lifecare does
not have enough staff.
The excessive tourism that airbnbs promote takes a huge toll on our environmental and infrastructure resources.It
puts tourists in rural areas with few lifeguarded beaches while adding little to the local economy.I have seen air bnb
ads promoting"swimming with the dolphins".I have two friends who work in the Airbnb industry as on-property
hosts.They are disgusted with the travelers'trips to Costco and how little they spend on the local economy as well
as the enormous profits the homeowners are making.However,my friends work there in order to have a place to
sleep as rental costs have skyrocketed beyond their means.
Finally,It is proven that housing instability exacerbates mental health issues,substance abuse,and family conflict
with children being raised in these high-risk environments. Where is the harm prevention and care for our local
families?When the county needs to find housing for police officers,)who have decent pay and are seen by others as
likely to be responsible tenants),that are moving from off island,something is seriously wrong.
I know that TAR owners will be there in full force to testify and you will be urged to reject Bill 121.Please stand
strong for our community's sake.Promote the local way;People before profits
Thank you,
Kevin Miller