HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-02 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Leslee Cook Testimony From: Leslee Cook,MFT,SEP
To: W PCtesti mony
Subject: Fwd: Written Testimony re:Bill 121
Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 1:43:17 PM
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
Date: April 2, 2024 at 4:34:39 PM PDT
Subject: Fwd: Written Testimony re: Bill 121
Subject: Reassessing Bill 121: A Call for Consideration of Short-Term Rental
Contributions
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii
25 Au uni St.
Unit 1502
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Chairman Lin,
As a resident of Hawaii and a short-term rental host since December
2011, I am reaching out to express my concerns regarding Bill 121.
Over the past 12.5 years, I have not only contributed to the local
economy through diligent payment of TA and GE taxes but have also
played a significant role in supporting Hawai'i's tourism industry. M
efforts have helped thousands of visitors enjoy their stay on the Bi
Island without the high costs associated with hotel accommodations.
The service I provide has been crucial in making Hawaii accessible to
a broader audience. This, in turn, has had a positive impact on our
local economy. Visitors who stay in short-term rentals like mine
contribute to the community by dining in restaurants, purchasing
local goods, and participating in paid tours, among other activities.
This ripple effect supports a wide ran e of businesses and contributes
to the economic vitalit of our island.
Given the substantial benefits that short-term rentals offer to both the
local community and visitors, I am deeply concerned about the
potential impacts of Bill 121. 1 fear that the proposed regulations may
not onlyjeoparclize the livelihoods of hosts like myself but also
diminish the accessibility of Hawaii to a broader range of visitors.
Therefore, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider
he followin
1. lConcluct an economic impact study to full understand the
contributions of short-term rentals to our econom .
2. lRecommend the removal of restrictive and invasive registration
re uirements that could hinder the operation of short-term
rentals.
7 Fnsure that regulations do not unfairly penalize responsible
hosts who have consistently contributed to the count 's revenue
and tourism industr .
By addressing these concerns, we can ensure that short-term rentals
continue to play a vital role in Hawai'i's tourism and economy,
benefiting both residents and visitors alike.
Mahalo for your attention to these matters. I trust that the
Commission will carefully consider the positive contributions of short-
term rentals and seek solutions that support the interests of all
stakeholders.
Me ka ha'aha'a,
Leslee Cook. 76-5921 Mamalahoa Hwy, #442,
Holualoa, HI, 9672