HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-05 Harmony Light TestimonyFrom: Harmony Light
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 5:34:49 PM
I would like to share my opinion regarding Airbnb and short-term rentals based on what I’ve observed over the past 12 years. Most of the short-term rentals I have seen were owned by
people who lived on the property,or elsewhere on the island.In many cases, the income generated by these rentals appears to stay within our local economy, often more directly than
revenue from large corporate hotels.
I have also seen short-term rental owners provide temporary housing to local residents during difficult times. Many of these owners purchase supplies locally, hire local cleaners,
contractors, and service providers, and contribute to the community in meaningful ways. Some are simply local families trying to make ends meet, such as a single parent renting out a spare
ʻohana unit.
For these reasons, I do not believe a broad crackdown on all short-term rentals is the best approach. Instead, it may make sense to focus on the distinction between locally owned rentals
and those owned by individuals or companies who live out of state. If additional regulation is needed, a special tax on nonresident-owned short-term rentals could help generate revenue
that directly benefits the island and its residents while allowing local owners to continue contributing to the community.