Laserfiche WebLink
From: Penny Lee <br /> To: LPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Testimony regarding Bill 123 for Leeward Planning Commission <br /> Date: Monday,April 15,2024 3:01:19 PM <br /> Aloha Chair DeFranco and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission, <br /> Bill 123 has not been very well thought through. As a result of this bill where would <br /> these ADUs most likely be popping up? Would they be affordable? Who would <br /> benefit? <br /> For example, it seems to incentivize building ADUs in urban zoning only, currently <br /> only 2% of the island. Both Kona and Hilo already have major infrastructure issues <br /> (sewer, water, traffic...). On the other hand, there are many residentially taxed <br /> agricultural parcels that can't have ADUs, based on this bill. <br /> How would ADUs make sense in other urban zoned areas? ADU behind a car repair <br /> shop? ADU in downtown Honokaa? Just removing all the restrictions and letting them <br /> "go wild" seems irresponsible. <br /> To outright ban vacation rentals in ADUs and ADUs on vacation rental properties <br /> doesn't make sense. Homeowners need a variety of options to adapt to changing life <br /> situations. Maybe the bread winner of the family suddenly dies. Or the daughter goes <br /> to university on the mainland. Or they just grew older and they need to supplement <br /> their social security and the ohana is empty now. Why deny them this option? Not <br /> EVERYBODY wants to or will run a vacation rental, especially if it's on the same <br /> parcel they live. The originators of this set of bills are so intent on destroying vacation <br /> rentals that they are missing the overall picture. They have lost touch with what most <br /> families here on the island area really dealing with in order to live here. Many are <br /> wondering why people move away, simply because they run out of options. <br /> Thank you for volunteering on this important commission and reading my comment, <br /> Penny Lee <br />