HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-18 Sylvia Dahlby Testimony
From: Sylvia Dahlby
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Subject: Bill 147
Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 1:38:59 PM
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Planning Commissioners,
I am a retiree living in Hilo and former AirBnB host. I had rented out my basement
apartment as a source of supplementary income. I have since temporarily shut this down
because I am dismayed and concerned about all the pending regulations and legislation
that created too much stress and uncertainty about keeping my small business going.
Mahalo for the opportunity to provide testimony on Bill 147.
I appreciate the intent of this measure to improve clarity and strengthen County regulations.
I believe we all share the goal of supporting our community and ensuring policies are fair
and effective. I'd also like to see a crackdown on illegal operations and feel the locally-
owned, small mom-and-pop businesses like mine are being unfairly targeted.
I respectfully ask for clarification on how existing owner-occupied B&B operations will be
treated, and to ensure they are not unintentionally placed into a nonconforming status or
put at risk of losing their ability to operate.
As this bill moves forward, I also ask the Council to take a closer look at the structure of
fines to ensure they are proportional and tied to the severity of a violation, rather than being
overly punitive.
I believe there is an opportunity to strengthen this bill by ensuring clarity, fairness, and
thoughtful implementation.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sylvia Dahlby, POB 1879 Hilo HI 97621