HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-15 Bill 121 Rebecca Rawls From: Rebecca Rawls
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Urgent Need for Comprehensive Study on Bill 121"s Economic Impact
Date: Wednesday,May 15,2024 12:09:30 PM
Chairperson Barbara Defranco
Leeward Planning Commission
West Hawaii Civic Center
Council Chambers, Building A
75-5044 Ane Keohokaloe Highway
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Aloha Chairperson Defranco,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its
potential impact on our local economy, particularly the vacation rental industry.
This industry is not just a small part of our island's economy; it contributes over
$1.1 billion in economic impact to the Big Island. Given this significant
contribution, it is both surprising and concerning that a bill proposing to
regulate this industry has been put forward without a comprehensive,
independent, and academically rigorous economic impact study.
During the Leeward Planning Commission meeting, Heather Kimball
acknowledged the necessity of such a study. This acknowledgment underscores
the complexity and potential impact of Bill 121 on our community and economy.
It is clear that there is not enough time to conduct a thorough point-by-point
evaluation of this bill. Therefore, I strongly urge the commission to send the bill
back with a recommendation to conduct the necessary study and to rework its
language accordingly.
Furthermore, it is crucial that a member of the vacation rental industry be
included in discussions when the commission engages in questions and answers
about the bill. The current lack of industry representation is a significant concern
and a major reason for the public's upset regarding this bill.
Inclusion, transparency, and thorough analysis are essential to ensure that any
regulation of the vacation rental industry is fair, effective, and beneficial to all
stakeholders involved.
Mahalo,
Rebecca C Buffington-Rawls
77-111 Nahale Place
619-252-4593