HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-04 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Emily Coombs From: me@emilycoombs.com on behalf of Emily Coombs
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Bill 121 and Its Impact on Local Communities
Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 11:19:29 AM
TO: Chairman Dennis Lin Windward Planning Commission County of Hawai'i 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 deeply
invested in the well-being of our community, I believe it is crucial to address these issues
before moving forward with the bill. Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant
concerns. Without adequate resources and manpower, the Planning Department may struggle
to effectively enforce the new regulations, leading to selective enforcement and potential
inequities. This could unfairly target certain property owners while allowing others to bypass
the rules, creating an uneven playing field. Secondly, the bill introduces inequity by
differentiating between property owners based on their residency status. This distinction could
disadvantage local families who rely on short-term rentals as a source of income, further
exacerbating the economic divide within our community. It is essential to ensure equal
treatment for all property owners, regardless of whether they live on-site or not. Lastly, the
transformation of neighborhoods is a significant concern. By imposing strict regulations on
short-term rentals, we risk altering the character of our neighborhoods and limiting the
availability of affordable accommodations for visitors. This could have a detrimental effect on
our local economy, which heavily relies on tourism. In light of these concerns, I respectfully
request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations:
1 Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay,
ensuring fairness for all property owners.
2 Recommend streamlining the registration process to make it more accessible for
homeowners.
3 Recommend conducting an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of
Bill 121 on our community. Thank you for considering my concerns and recommendations. I
believe that by working together, we can find a balanced approach that protects the interests of
our community while fostering a welcoming environment for visitors.
Mahalo nui loa,
Emily Coombs
Po 508, Honoka'a, Hi,