HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Rachelle Onaka Testimony From: Rachelle Onaka
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: I STRONGLY OPPOSE BILL 121
Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 3:42:54 PM
The Hawaii County Council's presentation of Bill 121 TAR Legislation is intentionally
misleading. They do not give the full facts on the impact of this Bill:
1) Very limited availability of short term rentals for traveling Hawaii residents. Local
residents use short term rentals for medical stays, family sporting events, visiting family
and friends, family events, educational stays, cultural stays, family time and vacations to
enjoy all of Hawaii Island. Hotel stays are not an affordable alternative for local residents
and families can not cook their own meals to save some money.
2) The current Draft of Bill 121 changes the minimum stay from 30 days to 180 days. This is
very detrimental to needed work force housing, professionals, specialists, remote workers.
At the very least this bill should be revised back to the current wording allowing 30 day
minimum stays.
3) The council's statement that "everyone who operates a "legal" short term rental will be
able to continue to operate"; This is false!!!!
Hosted rentals are legal under the current STVR legislation. Many hosted rentals will
become "illegal" under Bill 121 and the restrictions it imposes.
4) According to State Land Use §205-4.5 Permissible uses within the agricultural
districts. Both Short term and Long Term rentals are "illegal" uses of farm
dwellings. However, Bill 121 specifically notes the "illegal" use as short term
rental but does nothing to enforce the "illegal" use as long term rental housing
for tenants that do not earn income from agriculture.
I strongly oppose Bill 121!
This may forever limit opportunities for future generations!
Thank you,
Rachelle Onaka