HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-25 Paul Crawford Testimony
From: Paul D Crawford
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Subject: Fwd: HC Bill 147
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 7:39:42 AM
Aloha County Council Planning Commission, I would like to voice my concerns about proposed HC Bill 147.
My name is Paul Crawford, and I have operated an Airbnb for over 10 years in Puna. I have paid all my TAT, GET, and HCTAT. I have private off street parking, only one unit in my
home, and have been a good neighbor to my community. I have never had any complaints. In fact Airbnb has essentially paid for the repair of our private Rd. and my neighbors really
appreciate that. I can appreciate the need for clear regulations going forward, but as this Bill is written, it is
very murky. I cannot clearly see exactly what effect it will have on me. Specifically I have 3 worries:
1, What possible good does limiting rental days serve? Would you tell a Hotel or Supermarket they cannot do over a certain amount of business? Who's interest do these
limitations serve? 2, The AG designation limits. It appears that they only affect AG 1 properties. I am AG 3,
and that isn't listed anywhere in the Bill. Does that mean I am exempt? What is the reasoning behind the AG designation liimits?
3, The fines seem very punitive, and don't seem to be tied to the severity of any infraction. Could I be heavily fined for a misprint, or very small infraction? Who would have the power
to determine the severity of any infraction? One person, or a committee? I urge you to clarify this Bill, before making it, law. The potential to harm an already
fragile island economy is very large here.
Mahalo for your attention in this matter, Paul Crawford
punapaul3@gmail.com