HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-11 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Don Carroll From: Don Carroll
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Urgent Reconsideration of Bill 121"s Impact on Local Communities
Date: Thursday,April 11,2024 10:23:44 PM
Urgent Reconsideration of Bill 121's Impact on Local Communities
Chairperson Barbara Defranco Leeward Planning Commission County of Hawai'i 25 Aupuni St.Unit 1502
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Chairperson Lin&Commission Members,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our local
communities,particularly in terms of enforceability,inequity,and the transformation of neighborhoods.As
a Hawaii resident and registered voter. I am deeply invested in the well-being of our community;I urge the
commission to consider the following points and recommendations.
Firstly,the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. The resources required to monitor and
enforce the proposed regulations could strain the Planning Department's staff,diverting attention from other
critical community development projects. This could lead to a misallocation of human resources, impacting
the department's overall efficiency and effectiveness.
Secondly,the bill introduces elements of inequity by not providing equal treatment to all property owners.
Specifically,it differentiates between owners who live on-site and those who do not,but still manage their
properties responsibly. This distinction could unfairly penalize responsible operators and caretakers,
undermining the spirit of fairness and equality.
Lastly,the transformation of neighborhoods under Bill 121 could lead to unintended consequences,such as
educing the availability of affordable accommodations for visitors and impacting the local tourism
economy. This,in turn,could have a ripple effect on small businesses and the broader community.Example
to consider that Volcano National Park had 1.6 million visitors last year.Where would these people stay if
STR were not available?
Personal example in our life's experience of the importance and availability of STR.When the 2018
Volcanic Eruption started.We were forced by mandatory evacuation from our home(Living in Leilani
Estates)and needed to find housing quickly.We secured a STR in a few hours,which turned into several
months.I am sure there were some people in Maui who had the same experience of finding temporary
housing as we did.
In light of these concerns,I respectfully request the Planning Commission to:
1. Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay,ensuring
fairness and flexibility for property owners.
2. Recommend streamlining the registration process to eliminate unnecessary burdens on property
owners.
3. Recommend the inclusion of an undue hardship clause to protect homeowners at risk of losing
their housing due to the bill's requirements.Basically a Grandfather Clause to those who currently
operate owner occupied STR.
These recommendations aim to address the bill's potential negative impacts while preserving the interests of our
local communities.
Mahalo for considering my perspective on this important matter.I trust that the commission will take these points
into account and work towards a more balanced and equitable approach to regulating short-term rentals in Hawaii
County.
Me ka ha`aha`a,
Donald Cai7oll
13-3441 Kupono St
Pahoa Hi. 96778
808-557-8717