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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-26 Bill 122 & 123 Pamela From: Pea Dog To: WPCtestimony Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Bills 122 and 123 and Their Impact on Small Business Owners Date: Friday,April 26,2024 10:45:10 AM Aloha Chairperson Lin, I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Bills 122 and 123, which directly impact small business owners like myself who have invested time,resources, and hope into converting our vacation rentals into bed and breakfasts, following the guidance and recommendations made by Heather Kimball during her public zoom meetings. It has come to my attention that, despite the encouragement to transition our properties into bed and breakfasts, these bills now propose to cancel the permits for such establishments. This move is not only contradictory but also undermines the trust and efforts of small business owners who have followed the process in good faith. I personally sought assistance from the Small Business Administration for Hawai'i Island and was informed by the county that an ordinary citizen could not apply for a special use permit without professional help, necessitating the hiring of one of their recommended consultants. This requirement adds an unnecessary financial and bureaucratic burden on small business owners. Zendo Kern, himself, told the director of the Small Business Administration that Private citizens are incapable of navigating the application process and need the professional guidance of a paid consultant, The lack of clear and consistent guidance, coupled with the proposed cancellation of permits, creates an environment of uncertainty and instability for small business owners who are striving to contribute positively to our local economy and community. It is imperative that these bills be reconsidered,with a more inclusive and supportive approach towards those who have already taken steps to comply with previous recommendations. I urge the commission to engage in a more transparent and collaborative dialogue with all stakeholders, including small business owners, to ensure that any legislative changes support sustainable development and economic growth for our island. Mahalo, Pamela Kawaihae PamelaBigIsland,4.gmail.com