HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-01 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Deborah Davis Testimony From: Deborah
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Bill 121,restrictions on TARs
Date: Monday,April 1,2024 8:41:11 AM
Aloha County Commissioners,
I live in Lower Puna, in Puna Beach Palisades, down by Kehena Beach, off the Red Road.
This is where there are ZERO hotels or motels. But lots in the way of Mana, nature, ocean,
calm, serenity and beauty.
I feel privileged and lucky to have moved here 16 years ago, TODAY. No, not an April Fools
j oke.
I do not own my own home, so obviously, I don't have a TAR or STVR. However, many of
my beloved neighbors and community members up and down the Red Road, along the coast,
offer up spaces so that travelers can experience some of what beckoned us to call this remote
jungle area our home.
I'm 63 yrs old and many of these community members are older than me, barely making ends
meet to be able to stay here. Not only are they providing a remarkable service in their golden
years, but they are also receiving essential income when working a day job in Hilo is
impossible at their age.
So they get to be Ambassadors of Aloha in their Golden years, while providing essential
housing for visitors who need a reprieve from the constant torrents and stressful barrage most
of the world (esp mainland) feeds them on the daily.
Over the years I've watched my community members jump through all the governmental
hoops and expenses to keep their STVRs open and welcoming.
I know there is a need for more affordable, long-term housing, but I strongly feel you have
chosen the WRONG path to make that happen. And most everyone I know in this precious
community agrees with me.
Please,please,please drop this Bill and take another, more sustainable, realistic path that will
truly help everyone. I urge you to not punish my elders, many who have lived long term on
Pele's aina in very simple, small footprint kine ways that ADD in many ways. Not extract.
Please rethink.
Mahalo nui loa for your time.
Deborah Davis
Pahoa, Hawaii
Ian: 808-965-9203
cel: 808-443-6863