HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-15 Bill 121Theresa Henk From: Theresa Henk
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Voicing opposition to Bill 121
Date: Monday,April 15,2024 5:13:05 PM
Subject: The Economic Impact of Short-Term Rentals in Hawaii
To whom it may concern,
I trust this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to shed light on the intricate economic
ecosystem that short-term rental businesses, such as mine, foster within our local community.
Beyond the direct benefits to homeowners/residents of Hawaii like myself,the ripple effect of
our operations extends far and wide,touching the lives and livelihoods of numerous
individuals and businesses across Hawaii.
First and foremost, the economic impact of short-term rentals goes beyond simple
calculations. If our business were no longer allowed to host STR or was subjected to heavy
fees/taxation, the immediate repercussions would be felt by my family and the families of the
four individuals we employ.
We live in a low income area where the average job pays $19 an hour. We pay our employees
$30-$40 an hour. The prospect of losing our source of income or that new legislation would
further burden us with fees,regulations, and taxes is extremely stressful because any further
economic interference by the state would jeopardize our ability to meet mortgage obligations
and also create financial instability for those we employ, ironically leaving us at risk and
expose us to the same affordable housing problem you are trying to mitigate.
The risk that this bill creates for my business extends far beyond our immediate circle. Local
tour guides rely on our business for clientele, and massage practitioners benefit from
employment opportunities created by our guests. The restaurants frequented by our visitors,
along with a myriad of other local businesses we rely on—from solar companies to gas
providers, pest control specialists to woodworkers—all derive a portion of their revenue from
servicing our operations.
Furthermore, our business also supports workers in other sectors. Whether it's employees at
Target, cost you less, gas stations, or hardware stores,the flow of business generated by our
short term rental expenditures reverberates throughout the community, sustaining jobs and
bolstering the local economy.
In essence,the interconnectedness of our short-term rental business with various facets of the
local economy underscores its indispensable role in promoting prosperity and stability in
Hawaii. By recognizing and supporting the contribution of platforms like Airbnb,we can
support the continued vitality of our communities.
I implore you to consider the multifaceted economic impact of short-term rentals when
making decisions that affect this industry. Please keep in mind that many of these short term
rentals are run by residents and employ those who are one paycheck away from being at risk
of not affording housing as well. Please keep in mind that while those of us running STR's
contribute significantly to the local economy,we are also people who contribute more than
money to our community but also in all the various immeasurable ways that a person adds
value to their community,whether it be friendship, service, support, or guidance. As a resident
of Hawaii, I'm asking for support and consideration from my local politicians, rather than this
burden and hardship that potentially opens me up to the threat of losing my income/housing.
This is not the kind of legislation I need from local government officials following the years of
burdens we've faced between a challenged local economy,being evacuated by the 2019 lava
flow, COVID lockdowns, then further covid restrictions, as well as ridiculously expensive
gas/food prices.
Let's find a way to build a brighter future for all residents of Hawaii. I ask that the planning
commission continue to define short term as under 30 days. I ask that the planning
commission give equal treatment of property owners who live on site and operators who do
not own the property, but live on site as lessors or caretakers. Finally, I ask for 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 it is overreach to tell them where they
can and cannot sleep.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am eager to discuss these matters further and
explore collaborative solutions for the benefit of our community.
Warm regards,
Theresa Henk
808 657-9969
Theresahenk(a4gmail.com
13-6768 Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road
Pahoa, HI 96778