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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-15 Bill 122 Kristin Moreland From: Kristin Moreland To: LPCtestimonv Subject: Concerning Opposition to Bill 122 Date: Monday,April 15,2024 12:39:12 PM Chairperson Barbara Defranco Leeward Planning Commission County of Hawai'i 25 Aupuni St. Unit 1502 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Chairperson Lin &Commission Members, I am writing to submit mytestimony in strong opposition to Bill 122, which seeks to categorize bed and breakfast establishments as short-term rentals. I believe that bed and breakfasts are fundamentally different from short-term rentals and should not be lumped into the same regulatory framework governing short term rentals. Bed and breakfasts provide a unique travel experience that is distinct from traditional short- term rentals. They typically offer personalized service, a shared dining experience, and provide accommodations to up to five separate guest spaces to parties that are not necessarily traveling together. This offers visitors a sense of community that is not found in most short- term rental properties who rent to one guest group at a time. It also creates the likelihood that more parking will be needed as separate guest groups have separate transportation unlike short term rentals. By categorizing bed and breakfasts under the same regulations as short- term rentals, Bill 122 risks undermining the authenticity and charm that make these establishments so appealing to travelers. It also eliminates sensible legislation that has proven to be effective in permitting this special use. Furthermore, bed and breakfasts are often operated by local residents who take pride in showcasing their community and providing guests with a genuine taste of local culture. They contribute to the local economy, support small businesses, and promote sustainable tourism practices. Treating bed and breakfasts as short-term rentals could impose unnecessary burdens and restrictions on these businesses, potentially leading to their decline or closure. Eliminating the category of Bed and Breakfast as a permitted special use separate from short term rentals is the wrong way to go. The permitting process is necessaryfor the impact a bed and breakfast may have on a community, while the proposed Bill 121 does not honor the difference between the two hospitality products. I urge the Planning Commission to reject Bill 122 and continue the existing regulatory framework in Chapter 25 that recognizes the unique characteristics of bed and breakfast establishments. This approach would ensure that bed and breakfasts can continue to thrive and contribute positively to our community's tourism industry without being unfairly conflated with short-term rentals. Thank you for considering my testimony on this important issue. With aloha, Kristin Moreland (808) 329-6528