HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-15 Bill 121 Joy Dillon From: Jov Dillon
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Testimony Regarding Bill 121 for April 18 Leeward Planning Commission Meeting
Date: Monday,April 15,2024 10:25:20 AM
Attachments: Leeward Plannino Commission Testimony Opposed to Bill 121.docx
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808-640-2544 Ce((
ioy@iovdillon.com
April 15, 2024
Leeward Planning Commission
Re: Bill 121
Aloha, Leeward Planning Commission Members.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit opinions regarding this proposed bill. My name is Joy Dillon
and I am submitting testimony as a private citizen in opposition to Bill 121. There are many reasons to
oppose this legislation but I will focus on a few:
1. Overly Complicated. By Heather Kimball's own admission this bill is "complicated."This was
repeated by members of the Windward Planning Commission as well as many testifiers. She also
said she likes to do hard things. Is this a reason to propose this overly complicated and unwanted
legislation? I think not. If the County Council wants to do hard things they should concentrate on
things like solving our wastewater problem, changing outdated zoning codes and land use
regulations which could actually contribute to allowing more housing.
2. No Economic Impact Study has been done. The couple of studies cited by Heather Kimball, DBEDT
in particular,focused on the state as whole and the Appleseed report she cites was done in 2018
and references data from out of state. DBEDT has a broad focus on industry development,
economic diversification, business and tourism and did not specifically study the impact of short
term rentals on long term housing availability. We have economic impact studies after studies on
everything here but there has not been a single one regarding this specific issue.
3. Huge public opposition. In the 2 public meetings that have been held regarding this bill there was a
huge outpouring of opposition from the public. Hundreds testified against this bill and only a couple
of people testified for it and yet the County continues to push forward with it. Ms. Kimball put it
mildly when she said there has been a lot of"interest" and "feedback" from the people. That
interest and feedback has been 99%opposed to this bill.
4. Difficult to Enforce. Heather Kimball also stated at the April 4 Windward Planning Commission
meeting that Bill 108 has been impossible to enforce. We know this to be true and a quick look
online will show many illegal short term vacation rentals. If 108, which was passed 6 years ago,
cannot be enforced how does the County intend to enforce new, complicated regulations which will
be mandated for hundreds, if not thousands of residents, most of them just trying to make ends
meet?
Please oppose this egregious and unwanted bill. Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
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Joy Dillon
Hilo resident
808-640-2544
joy@joydillon.com