HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-04 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Lily Tomaszewski From: Lily Tomaszewski
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Oppose Bill 121-Hawai'i County
Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 11:14:33 AM
To:
WPCtestimony(@hawaiicount�.gov
Subject:
OPPOSE Hawaii Bill 121.
Please consider Reevaluation of Bill 121's Impact on Local Families
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 Hawaii Bill 121 and it's potential adverse
effects on our local families and communities. It is imperative we first address the issues of
Enforceability, Inequity, and the Transformation of Neighborhoods this bill might exacerbate before
passing it into law.
Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. There are several hosting platforms
alongside of Airbnb and VRBO—such as Hipcamp, Craigslist, and Facebook which all advertise for
STVR. Without proper resources and human allocation, the Planning Department may struggle to
effectively manage and enforce the new regulations, leading to uneven application and potential
neglect of other critical duties. No joke, in the last few weeks 1 have had two conversations with
neighbors inspired to host their spaces as STVRs. One, remodeled his entire 2nd floor into (4)
separate hosting rooms. Another, already running a hipcamp space is now going to host one on a
neighbor's property, too. I said nothing, only listened to their passion to host for many reasons,
financial, fun, flexibility. Folks have no clue about this new bill. Why? Nothing has been enforced
from the previous Bil l 108. Enforce what's already on the books!
Secondly, the bill introduces a level of inequity that cannot be overlooked. By imposing restrictions
that disproportionately affect small homeowners and operators, we risk deepening the divide
between different economic classes in our community.This not only goes against the spirit of aloha
but also undermines the fabric of our community. Let's keep the good people of Hawaii County
working. We want to work, we want to live in integrity and continue to be a contribution to this
county. Help us do so by not passing this bill. I am a small business owner who takes pride in the
small part I play as a taxpayer, aloha ambassador, and nearly retired senior citizen. I'm counting on a
future where I still can contribute. Last year I made less than$19,000.00 hosting my humble
Airbnb. I paid ALL my taxes and also work full time and paid ALL my taxes. Life on da island, as we
say. I have had NO complaints regarding my Airbnb. It is hosted, I vette my guests, and I my guests
seem to know Tutu is always watching. Responsible business owners should not be punished by
this bill.
Lastly, the idea being generated by supporters of 121, that the transformation of neighborhoods
into areas dominated by short-term rentals could be detrimental, is an idea detrimental in and of
itself. No concrete data has been presented to support these claims, it is premature to enact
sweeping legislation that could have far-reaching negative impacts.
I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations:
Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of Bill 121 on local families
and the economy.
Recommend the removal of dangerous signage requirements and protect operators from the public
disclosure of addresses and ownership, to ensure privacy and safety.
Recommend streamlining the registration process and eliminating invasive requirements, making it
easier for homeowners to comply without compromising their privacy. /also recommend reducing
the very high fines proposed for us small business owners.
These measures, I believe, will address the core concerns while ensuring our community remains
just that, a community, where we work together for the good of all.
I hope the Windward Planning Commission will take these concerns into account and work towards
a solution that benefits all residents of Hawaii County, especially those of us who have been
paying our state TAT, county TAT, and GE taxes, operating our businesses responsibly and want
to continue to do so.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Tomaszewski
small kinehappyness
Airbnb Owner Operated and living on site
Puna District
808-286-7638