HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-18 Bill 121 Kathy Fitts From: Kathy Fitts
To: LPCtestimony
Subject: Urgent Need for Comprehensive Study on Bill 121"s Economic Impact
Date: Saturday,May 18,2024 10:57:35 AM
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 notjust a
small part of our island's economy; it contributes more than $1.1 billion in economic impact
to the Big Island. Given this significant contribution, it is alarming that such sweeping
regulations are being considered without a comprehensive, independent, and academically
rigorous economic impact study.
During the Leeward Planning Commission meeting, Heather Kimball acknowledged the
necessity of conducting this study. This acknowledgment underscores the complexity and
potential ramifications of Bill 121 on our community and economy. It is imperative that we
take the time to fully understand these impacts before moving forward with any regulatory
changes.
Furthermore, the current process does not allow for a detailed evaluation of the bill's many
facets, highlighting the need to send it back with a strong recommendation for a thorough
study and revision of its language. Additionally, the absence of industry representation in
discussions is a significant oversight. Including a member from the vacation rental industry
in these conversations is crucial to ensure that all perspectives are considered and to
address the public's concerns effectively.
I urge you to reconsider the approach to Bill 121 and to prioritize a comprehensive study
and inclusive dialogue. Our community deserves a well-thought-out decision-making
process that considers all stakeholders and the long-term health of our economy.
My husband and I are now 69 years old and have lived in Kailua-Kona since 1982. We use
our one bedroom Ali'i Drive condo as a vacation rental to supplement our income. We
also contract numerous service personnel to upkeep the condo. For they, as well as we, to
lose this income would be most unfortunate, causing many to have severe economic
impact on their families, and therefore the West Hawaii community as well.
Additionally, there would be a huge economic loss to the county and state in terms of the
GE and TA taxes as well as the significantly higher property taxes paid on our income
producing property.
With shortages in budget income always in play, the State and County would surely have
serious hurt losing all those tax monies!
Thank you for your consideration in actually doing a feasibility study for this issue!
Mahalo,
Kathryn Fitts
76-6309 Haku PI Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
8089871459