HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-15 Bill 121 Mike Cabana From: Grace Wang
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Concerns Regarding the Economic Impact of Bill 121 on Local Businesses
Date: Monday,April 15,2024 4:25:17 PM
Aloha Chairperson Lin & Commission Members,
I am writing to express my deep concerns about the potential impact of Bill 121 on local
businesses, particularly those like mine that are directly tied to the vacation rental market.
As the owner of a car rental business, I have observed firsthand that a significant portion of
my clientele consists of guests staying in vacation rentals. This segment of my business is
notjust a number; it represents the livelihood of my family and the ability to support my
employees.
The vacation rental industry plays a crucial role in our local economy, not only by providing
accommodation options for tourists but also by supporting ancillary businesses such as car
rentals, restaurants, and local attractions. The proposed restrictions in Bill 121 threaten to
significantly reduce the number of vacation rental properties available, which in turn could
lead to a substantial decrease in tourists opting for this type of accommodation. This
reduction in vacation rental guests would directly impact my business, potentially resulting
in a loss of over half of our income from tourists.
Given these concerns, I respectfully request that the Planning Commission consider the
following recommendations:
Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the ramifications of Bill 121 on local
businesses and the broader economy.
Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, as
long as the owner is in the same building, on the same parcel, or on an adjacent parcel.
Recommend streamlining the registration process for vacation rentals to ensure that it is
not overly burdensome for operators, thereby supporting the continued viability of this
important sector.
It is imperative that we consider the broader economic ecosystem and the
interconnectedness of the vacation rental market with other local businesses. I believe that
with thoughtful consideration and adjustments, we can find a balanced approach that
addresses concerns without undermining the economic contributions of vacation rentals to
our community.
Mahalo for your attention to this matter and for considering the perspectives of local
business owners like myself.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Mike Cabana
Kailua Kona