HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-15 Halford Souza Jr. Support TestimonyItem #4 County Council Initiated (PL-CCI-2026-000016) Bill 147 - Transient Accommodations
2026-07-15 Halford Souza Jr. Support Testimony
Info Given at LPC 7-15-26 Meeting
From: Sam Souza
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Subject: Bill 147
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 12:50:11 PM
Dear Chair and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission,
I am writing in support of Bill 147 and appreciate the work being done to create a clear and practical framework for hosted vacation rentals on Hawaiʻi Island.
Recent court decisions have created uncertainty for many responsible homeowners
who have operated in good faith. I believe Bill 147 moves in the right direction by
establishing a legal pathway that balances neighborhood concerns, state law, and the
unique realities of agricultural communities.
I especially support a permitting process that allows existing hosted operators to
demonstrate compliance rather than simply eliminating their ability to operate. Hawaiʻi
County has many unique properties, particularly in subdivisions such as Hawaiian
Paradise Park, where the distinction between single-family dwellings and farm dwellings is important to fair implementation.
I appreciate the County’s efforts to create a legal pathway for responsible hosted
operators to comply with state law following the Rosehill decision. I respectfully
encourage the Commission to ensure that this pathway remains practical, affordable, and achievable for existing homeowners who are acting in good faith.
I also ask that any future registration, permitting, or renewal fees remain reasonable
and affordable. Hawaiʻi already has one of the highest costs of living in the nation,
and responsible hosted operators contribute substantially through GET, TAT, income taxes, property taxes, and the ongoing costs of maintaining safe accommodations.
The purpose of this ordinance should be to bring people into compliance, not to
create financial barriers that discourage compliance. A fair and affordable process will
result in greater participation, better accountability, and better outcomes for Hawaiʻi County.
I respectfully encourage the Commission to preserve reasonable transition periods,
clear standards, and a practical process for existing hosted operators to come into
compliance.
Mahalo for your time, consideration, and service to our community.
Sincerely,
Halford Souza Jr