HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-03 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Merry Anne Stone Testimony From: MerryAnne Stone
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Bill 121
Date: Wednesday,April 3,2024 9:39:14 AM
Chairman Dennis Lin
Windward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni St.
Unit 1502
Hilo, HI 96720
Aloha Chairman Lin,
I hope this letter finds you well. I want to express my gratitude for the dedication and hard
work of the council members. However, I must voice my concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121.
While the intention behind regulating Short-Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) is understood, I
believe the approach taken by this bill may exacerbate existing issues rather than resolve
them.
The previous legislation surrounding STVRs has shown that once a bill is passed, making
amendments or corrections becomes a challenging task. It is crucial that we learn from
past experiences and ensure that any new legislation is thoroughly considered and
addresses the concerns of all stakeholders effectively.
One of my primary concerns with Bill 121 is the proposal to manage STVRs within the
Planning Department. The Planning Department already has a broad range of
responsibilities and challenges. Adding the complex task of STVR management to their
workload may not be the most efficient or effective solution. Instead, I propose the
establishment of a specialized department dedicated solely to the oversight and
management of STVRs. This department would have the focus and resources necessary to
address STVR-related issues comprehensively and fairly.
MY Requests of the Planning Commission: DO NOT PASS THIS BILL ON!
1. Take STVR out of planning and create its own department, having all funds, registration
and administration. STVR issues need to be centralized, such as police reports, illegal
rentals. These complaints go to different county departments and are not connected to
one property.
2. Planning director has conflicting issues and should not be the head of this department.
3. Please make STVR have their own on-site parking.
4. Turo operators are primarily used for vacation rentals.
Turo needs to be included with the new STVR dept.
Mahalo
Merry Anne Stone
808-960-2082
MeayAnneStone&,gmail.com