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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-04 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Patricia Cadiz From: Patricia Cadiz To: WPCtestimony Subject: Oppose Bill 121 Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 11:13:17 AM 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 opposition to the proposed Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our community. As a resident of Hawaii, I believe it is crucial to address the issues of Enforceability, Inequity, and the Transformation of Neighborhoods that this bill might bring. Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. Without clear guidelines and sufficient resources for enforcement, the bill may not achieve its intended goals, leading to confusion and inconsistency in its application. This could unfairly penalize well-meaning property owners while failing to address the root issues it aims to solve. Secondly, the bill introduces inequity by not considering the diverse circumstances of property owners. For example, it does not differentiate between those who rely on short- term rentals as a primaryjob/source of income and those who do so occasionally. This one-size-fits-all approach could disproportionately affect families and individuals, like my daughter, who depend on this income to afford to stay in Hawaii, where she was born and raised. Lastly, the transformation of neighborhoods is a concern that cannot be overlooked. While the intention to preserve the character of our communities is understandable, it is essential to balance this with the rights of our ohana and the economic benefits that short-term rentals bring to our ohanas. To address these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations: Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, ensuring flexibility for property owners while maintaining community integrity. Recommend streamlining the registration process to make it more accessible and less burdensome for homeowners. Recommend the inclusion of an undue hardship clause to protect homeowners at risk of losing their housing due to the bill's requirements. I believe these recommendations will help mitigate the potential negative impacts of Bill 121 while promoting fairness and economic stability in our community. Mahalo for considering my concerns and recommendations. I trust that the Planning Commission will take the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of all Hawaii County residents. With appreciation, Patricia Cadiz 2406 Waipua Street 8082835070