HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-04 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 Tami Winston From: Kauakea
To: WPCtestimony
Subject: Bill 121 input
Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 12:33:57 PM
To; 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 Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our
local communities,particularly in terms of enforceability, inequity, and the transformation of
neighborhoods. As a resident deeply invested in the well-being of our community, I believe it
is crucial to address these issues before moving forward with the bill. Firstly, the
enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. Without adequate resources and
manpower, the Planning Department may struggle to effectively enforce the new regulations,
leading to selective enforcement and potential inequities. This could unfairly target certain
property owners while allowing others to bypass the rules, creating an uneven playing field.
Secondly, the bill introduces inequity by differentiating between property owners based on
their residency status. This distinction could disadvantage local families who rely on short-
term rentals as a source of income, further exacerbating the economic divide within our
community. It is essential to ensure equal treatment for all property owners,regardless of
whether they live on-site or not. Lastly, the transformation of neighborhoods is a significant
concern. By imposing strict regulations on short-term rentals, we risk altering the character of
our neighborhoods and limiting the availability of affordable accommodations for visitors.
This could have a detrimental effect on our local economy, which heavily relies on tourism. In
light of these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the
following recommendations: 1 Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts
live and where guests stay, ensuring fairness for all property owners. 2 Recommend
streamlining the registration process to make it more accessible for homeowners.
3 Recommend conducting an economic impact study to fully understand the implications
of Bill 121 on our community. Thank you for considering my concerns and recommendations.
I believe that by working together, we can find a balanced approach that protects the interests
of our community while fostering a welcoming environment for visitors.
Mahalo nui loa,
Tami Winston
Honoka'a, HI
808-754-5698