HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-01 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Michael Dane Lobdell Testimony From: Michael Lobdell
To: W PCtesti mono
Subject: Bill 121 Testimony
Date: Monday,April 1,2024 12:32:32 PM
Aloha Members of the WPC,
As the owner of a hosted rental and as we navigate the changes proposed by Bill 121,I'm reaching out with a
perspective deeply rooted in our land's traditions and the aloha we share with every visitor.
Our approach to hosting is simple yet profound: extend`ohana to all. Our guests don't just stay;they immerse,learn,
and connect with our island's soul.Whether it's through learning the gentle art of lei making or feeling the rhythm of
hula,these moments transcend mere tourism—they're a bridge to understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian
culture.
Bill 121,as it stands,could unintentionally place barriers on these precious exchanges.The prospect of limiting the
ability to share our culture within the intimate setting of our home contradicts the very essence of Hawaiian
hospitality.It's not just about where guests lay their heads;it's about what they carry in their hearts long after they
leave.
• Let's steer Bill 121 to explicitly recognize and protect the role of hosted rentals in cultural education and
exchange.
• By doing so,we ensure that the fabric of our hosted rental experiences remains rich with the threads of
Hawaiian heritage and knowledge.
In crafting legislation,let's remember the power of aloha and the importance of preserving spaces where cultural
learning flows freely. It's these experiences that truly enrich our guests'lives and,in tum,spread the understanding
and love for our culture across the globe.
Mahalo for your open-minded consideration of these suggestions. Let's malama the legacy of our islands for
generations of visitors and kama`aina to come.
With respect and aloha,
Michael Dane Lobdell