HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-30 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Barbara Powe Testimony From: Kona Blue
To: WPCtestimonv
Subject: Subject: Urgent Need for Reevaluation of Bill 121"s Impact on Local Communities
Date: Saturday,March 30,2024 5:09:58 PM
Importance: High
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 Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential
impacts on our local communities, particularly in terms of enforceability, inequity, and the
transformation of neighborhoods. As a owner of a single family home in Kailua Kona, I
have witnessed firsthand over the last 8 years the positive contributions that short-term
rentals bring to our local economy and the sense of 'ohana they foster among visitors and
residents alike.
However, Bill 121, as it currently stands, threatens to disrupt this balance and result in
servere negative financial impact to many locals and small businesses offering services to
vacational rentals and the local community alike. The bill's requirements, such as the
affidavit requirement and intrusive reporting, pose significant challenges for property
owners and operators, making it difficult for them to comply. This not only creates an
environment of inequity but also places an undue burden on the Planning Department's
staff, diverting resources from other critical areas.
Moreover, the transformation of neighborhoods into exclusive zones, where only certain
types of accommodations are permitted, undermines the spirit of aloha that defines our
island. It restricts the ability of residents to share their homes and the beauty of Hawaii with
visitors, which has long been a tradition in our communities.
For this reason, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following
recommendations:
Remove the affidavit requirement to ease the burden on property owners and operators
streamline the registration process to make it more accessible and less invasive for
homeowners
Remove the intrusive reporting requirements to protect the privacy and rights of property
owners.
These recommendations aim to address the key issues of enforceability, inequity, and the
transformation of neighborhoods, ensuring that the regulations are fair, manageable, and
in line with the values of our community.
I urge the Planning Commission to reconsider the current approach to Bill 121 and to
engage in a more inclusive and comprehensive discussion on how we can regulate short-
term rentals in a way that benefits all stakeholders as there is a lot at stake for individuals,
small business and the community as a whole.
Mahalo for your attention to this matter.
Barbara Powe
73-4433 Nehiwa Street
Kailua Kona HI 96740
Mobile: +61408120757