HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-17 Bill 121 Wendy J. Laros From: Wendy Laros
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Testimony for the Leeward Planning Commission from the Kona-Kohala Chamber
Date: Wednesday,April 17,2024 8:57:59 AM
Attachments: 2024.4.16 TAR Testimony from the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce.odf
Aloha,
Please accept this written testimony for the Hawaii County Leeward Planning Commission
meeting on Thursday,April 18, 2024.
The testimony is for Bills 121, 122 and 123.
Please let me know that you received the testimony.
Mahalo!
Wendy J. Laros, President & CEO
F-01
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakini Hwy, Ste. 208
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808) 329-1758
wendy(cbkona-kohala xom
Kona = Kohala
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
April 16, 2024
Leeward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii
101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
RE: Support for Transient Accommodations Rental Bills 121, 122, and 123
Dear Chair DeFranco and the County of Hawaii Leeward Planning Commission,
Since our establishment in 1968, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce has worked to
enhance the quality of life for our community through a strong, sustainable economy on Hawaii
Island. With over 460 member businesses and organizations, our mission is to provide
leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawaii.
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce brings the business community together to address
key issues in our community, on our island, and in the state. Housing is a top priority for our
organization. We support housing projects at all inventory levels in West Hawaii. This includes
developing infrastructure to support more housing along with emphasizing improvements and
clarity in Hawaii County's permitting processes. We support improvements in permitting,
regulation, and enforcement of short-term vacation rentals, also called transient accommodation
rentals (TARs).
The Kona-Kohala Chamber supports the bills initiated by the Hawaii County Council
regarding TARs. This includes Bill 121, relating to transient accommodations rentals and
hosting platforms; Bill 122, relating to provisions for Bed and Breakfast establishments;
and Bill 123, relating to accessory dwelling units.
These bills aim to improve and clarify the permitting process and regulatory standards,
which will ultimately strengthen our local economy and promote the well-being of our
community.
Sincerely,
Wendy J. Laros, President and CEO
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
75-5737 Kuakini Highway, Suite 208 1 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
info@kona-kohala.com 1808-329-1758 1 www.kona-kohala.com