HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Kathleen Lisa Testimony From: Kathleen Lisa
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Bill121
Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 11:56:52 AM
Subject: The Vital Role of Resident-Hosted AirBnBs in Our Family's Life
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawai'i
25 Aupuni St.
Unit 1502
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Chairman Lin,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed changes under Hawaii Bill
121, which directly impacts resident-hosted AirBnBs like ours. Our experience as resident-
hosts has been overwhelmingly positive, not just for our family but also for the local economy
and the unique experience we provide to our guests.
Operating a resident-hosted AirBnB has been a lifeline for our family. It has enabled us to pay
our mortgage, cover essential bills, and avoid further depletion of our emergency funds. This
additional income stream has provided us with financial security, allowing us to spend quality,
stress-free time as a family. It has also been crucial in covering medical supplies for our
daughter, who has Type 1 diabetes, and allowing one parent to stay home as the primary
caregiver.
Beyond our family, our AirBnB contributes to the local economy. We shop locally, hire local
handymen, and cleaners, thereby supporting our community. Our guests receive a personal
and authentic experience, seeing the love and creativity we put into our home, which contrasts
with the impersonal nature of commercial hotels.
Given these points, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following
recommendations:
Remove intrusive reporting requirements that could jeopardize the operation of resident-
hosted AirBnBs.
Recommend streamlining the registration process to support resident-hosts better.
Encourage the County to conduct an economic impact study to understand the positive
contributions of resident-hosted AirBnBs.
These changes would ensure that resident-hosted AirBnBs can continue to provide significant
economic and personal benefits to their operators and the broader community.
Mahalo for considering my perspective on this important issue.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Kathleen L Nemec
75-5660 Kopiko St C7-127
8083153916