HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Martina Wing Testimony From: Martina Wino
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Concerns Regarding the Impact of Bill 121 on Local Communities
Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 12:47:43 PM
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni St.
Unit 1502
Hilo,HI 96720
Aloha Chairman Lin,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed measures in Bill 121. As a
26-year resident of Kona deeply invested in the well-being of our local communities, I find it
imperative to voice the potential negative impacts this bill will have on our'ohana and the
spirit of aloha that defines our island.
Firstly, the bill's approach to regulating short-term rentals appears to lack a comprehensive
understanding of the economic implications for local homeowners. Many families, myself
included, rely on the income generated from short-term rentals to afford our living expenses.
By imposing severe regulations without conducting an economic impact study, we risk
jeopardizing the financial stability of over 7,000 households on the Big Island. In the next few
years, I will retire, and my long-term plan has always been to supplement my mortgage with
STVR income. Bill 121 will take this option away. This is simply not okay.
Moreover, the bill's restrictions on where hosts live and where guests stay within a property
seem overly intrusive and disregard the autonomy of property owners. Such regulations could
transform the character of our neighborhoods, not through organic community development,
but through imposed limitations that do not reflect the needs or desires of the residents.
Additionally, the punishment is excessive. This is simply not okay.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the
following recommendations:
1. Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of Bill 121 on
local homeowners and the economy.
2. Recommend equal treatment of property owners, regardless of their living arrangements
on the property.
3. Reconsider the restrictions on host and guest accommodations to allow more flexibility
for property owners.
4. By addressing these issues, we can find a more balanced and fair approach to regulating
short-term rentals that respects the rights of property owners while addressing the
commission's concerns.
Lastly, after attending the last hearing and seeing the overwhelming opposition to the bill, I
was struck that the council voted in favor by 8-0. It was obvious that not one council member
heard what was being said.
In a democratic society, the mandate is to work for the majority, so I urge you to consider
the catastrophic impact and send the bill's current version back to the drafting table. This is as
simple as that.
Mahalo, thank you for considering these important matters.
Martina Wing
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
808-987-8660