HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-28 Liz Lees Testimony
From: Liz Lees
To: Planning WPC Testimony
Subject: Bill 147
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026 8:29:17 AM
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Planning Commissioners,
My name is Liz Lees, and I am a full time Big Island resident on Hawaiʻi Island. Mahalo for
the opportunity to provide testimony on Bill 147.
I appreciate the stated intent of this measure to improve clarity, but I believe this bill is
confusing and poorly written and will only serve to create more problems than it solves.
Most hosts, myself included, want to comply with reasonable operational standards and
regulations but need clear and simple instructions. What happened to the promise of "just
registration" and then evaluating the needs of rules and regulations for hosted short term
rentals? The county has not even been able to meet it's stated deadline for opening
registration.
I disagree strongly with change of definition of 31-179 days to short term rentals.
Current lawful rentals, including those operating under 31-179, need to be clearly
grandfathered under this bill.
I would also ask that 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 we all share the goal of supporting our community and ensuring policies are fair
and effective.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Liz Lees