HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-25 Patricia Szot Testimony
From: Patricia szot
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Subject: Bill 147
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2026 9:48:39 AM
TESTIMONY TEMPLATE (FOR OWNERS/HOSTS)
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Planning Commissioners,
My name is Patricia Szot and my husband and I own a short term vacation rental in Hawaii Paradise Park, as well as live in the development on Hawaiʻi Island. 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 utilize local vendors for the fruit I leave with each group of people staying at
my place. I use local business’s when I have a problem in the house and I pay with a living wage ($40/hour) the housekeeping staff I use to routinely clean the house. I back up my
wording when I say I believe in giving back to my community.
I would like to share a few thoughts from my perspective as an owner. I have been doing
this now for 8 years. I receive wonderful reviews from all my guests. I care deeply that visitors that come to this island enjoy it beauty. I went through the initial process to get the
STVR license the state mandated we have; and I have keep the license renewed every year since I received it. I am following the rules the state mandated. Now you want to
change things again on us law abiding small businesses.
As this bill moves forward, I respectfully ask the Council to consider the following:
1) I would ask that currently lawful rentals (such as mine), including those operating under 31-179, be clearly grandfathered under this bill.
2) I would 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. Being,
what appears to be vindictive, doesn’t help.
3) If State law focuses on whether a use is accessory to agriculture, rather than where
guests are housed, I would ask for clarification on the basis for restricting accommodations to a host’s primary residence. Again, my rental is in HPP, which is technically zoned as
agricultural, but the house is on a half-acre lot, which wouldn’t grow much of anything. I already have numerous fruit trees growing as well as several pineapple beds. It is also
being used for agriculture.
I believe there is an opportunity to strengthen this bill by ensuring clarity, fairness, and
thoughtful implementation.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Patricia Szot
15-1590 3rd Ave
Keaau, HI, 96749