HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-03 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Cynthia Rubinstein Testimony From: Cynthia Rubinstein
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Hawaii County Bill 121
Date: Wednesday,April 3,2024 6:35:18 PM
Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Bill 121 and Its Impact on Local Communities
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 Bill 121 and its potential impacts on
our local communities, particularly in terms of enforceability, inequity, and the
transformation of neighborhoods. As a resident of Volcano, Hawaii, I have witnessed
firsthand the positive contributions that short-term rentals bring to our local economy and
community cohesion. However, I fear that Bill 121, in its current form, may inadvertently
harm those it seeks to protect.
Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. Without sufficient human
resources, the Planning Department may struggle to effectively monitor and enforce the
proposed regulations, leading to selective enforcement and potential inequities. This could
unfairly penalize well-intentioned property owners while failing to address the root issues
at hand.
Removing legal NUC"s and 30 day minimum stays is counter productive to
promoting the home stays that many visitor prefer to hotel stays. Those who do
prefer these venues will choose another tropical climate that is less expensive as
they are not likely to segway to hotel stays.
The Entire Problem with short term stays, Statewide, is without a doubt the lack of
enforcement by the Departments of Planning and Permitting.
The truth of the matter is that they do not have the manpower To Enforce. You do Not
Need another bill to become law. All that is needed is to hire more people to enforce the
laws already on the books. Make people comply with the current zoning rather than
create more chaos.
Areas like Volcano need these charming home stays, especially when our Tutu Pele is up
and dancing in her pit. She is a major draw and people do not want to have to drive at
night from Hilo. It's not even safe.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the
following recommendations:
Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of Bill 121 on local
economies and communities.
Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, as
long as the owner is in the same building, on the same parcel, or on an adjacent parcel or
has applied for and received a Non Conforming Use Certificate.
Recommend streamlining the registration process and eliminating invasive requirements,
thereby simplifying compliance for property owners.
These recommendations aim to strike a balance between regulating short-term rentals and
preserving the economic and social well-being of our communities.
Turning away millions of already incoming taxes and billions across the state, a portion of
which stays in Hawaii County is like committing economic suicide.
Itjust doesn't make sense.
Mahalo for considering my testimony. I believe that through thoughtful dialogue and
collaboration, we can find solutions that honor the values of fairness, equity, and aloha that
define our island home.
Aloha Piha,
Cynthia Rubinstein
11-4003 Hale Ohia Rd. Volcano, Hawaii
808-224-9191