HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-02 Rachelle Onaka TestimonyFrom: Rachelle Onaka
To: Planning WPC Testimony
Subject: Testimony for Bill 147 - Mahalo for reading
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 7:43:19 AM
Attachments: TESTIMONY BILL 147.pdf
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Planning Commissioners,
My name is Rachelle Onaka, and I am a current B&B host on Hawaiʻi Island. Mahalo for the opportunityto provide testimony on Bill 147.
I respectfully ask the Commission to consider allowing existing, approved bed and breakfast operationson Hawaiʻi Island to be grandfathered in under any new regulations. Many of these businesses have beenoperating responsibly for years, and it would be helpful for the proposed bill to more clearly address howthey will be treated moving forward. Without that clarity, there is concern that current operators couldunintentionally become nonconforming or risk losing their ability to continue operating. Thoughtfulconsideration of these existing businesses and their value to the community is really important andappreciated.
The short term rental community provides necessary housing to locals and visitors, construction workers,traveling professionals, families with medical needs, families traveling for sports and youth activities, theneeds are many. Specifically, allowing a minimum stay of 30 days—rather than the proposed 180 days—would make a meaningful difference in meeting the diverse housing needs of our community.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Rachelle Onaka
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Planning Commissioners,
My name is Rachelle Onaka, and I am a current B&B host on Hawaiʻi
Island. Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony on Bill 147.
I respectfully ask the Commission to consider allowing existing, approved
bed and breakfast operations on Hawaiʻi Island to be grandfathered in
under any new regulations. Many of these businesses have been operating
responsibly for years, and it would be helpful for the proposed bill to more
clearly address how they will be treated moving forward. Without that
clarity, there is concern that current operators could unintentionally
become nonconforming or risk losing their ability to continue operating.
Thoughtful consideration of these existing businesses and their value to the
community is really important and appreciated.
The short term rental community provides necessary housing to locals and
visitors, construction workers, traveling professionals, families with medical
needs, families traveling for sports and youth activities, the needs are
many. Specifically, allowing a minimum stay of 30 days—rather than the
proposed 180 days—would make a meaningful difference in meeting the
diverse housing needs of our community.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Rachelle Onaka