HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Chanmalis Hodak Testimony From: malis hodak
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Bill121
Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 2:45:44 PM
Aloha Chairman Lin,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the current provisions of Bill 121. As a
resident of Hawaii, I believe that while the intention behind the bill is to regulate short-
term vacation rentals, it inadvertently imposes undue hardships on local families and small
operators who depend on these rentals for their livelihood.
Firstly, the affidavit requirement places an unreasonable burden on homeowners, forcing
them to declare that all improvements on their property are properly permitted. This
requirement overlooks the historical challenges and delays in the permitting process within
Hawaii County, potentially criminalizing homeowners for past improvements made under
different circumstances.
Secondly, the bill's restrictions on where hosts live in relation to their guests are overly
restrictive and infringe on private property rights. The requirement that owners must be in
the same building, on the same parcel, or on an adjacent parcel to where their guests stay
limits the flexibility needed for diverse living arrangements and does not consider the
unique layouts of many properties in Hawaii.
Lastly, the bill's reporting requirements are invasive and pose a risk to the privacy and
safety of operators by mandating the public disclosure of addresses and ownership details.
This not only exposes operators to potential harassment but also undermines the trust
between hosts and guests.
Therefore, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following
recommendations:
Remove the affidavit requirement to alleviate the burden on homeowners.
Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live in relation to their guests,
respecting private property rights.
Recommend removing intrusive reporting requirements to protect the privacy and safety
of operators.
These changes are crucial in ensuring that the regulations are fair, enforceable, and do not
disproportionately impact local families and small operators. I appreciate your attention to
these matters and hope for a thoughtful reevaluation of Bill 121's provisions.
Mahalo for your consideration,
Chanmalis Hodak
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