HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-16 Kristin OFriel Opposition Testimony - LateFrom: Kristin OFriel
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Subject: Written Testimony in Opposition to Bill 147
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 9:23:45 AM
July 16, 2026
Leeward Planning Commission
County of Hawaii Planning Department West Hawaii Civic Center
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
Re: Opposition to Bill 147
Aloha Chair and Members of the Leeward Planning Commission,
Thank you for your service to the community.
I am submitting written testimony today in opposition to Bill 147.
While I appreciate the intent behind Bill 147, I believe that legislation regulating hosted short-term rentals in Hawaiʻi County should be guided by data, implemented thoughtfully, and
refined over time through careful evaluation.
Proposing additional legislation before any meaningful data has been gathered through the registration requirement established by Ordinance No. 25-50 is a missed opportunity for
evidence-based policymaking.
If the registration requirement was not intended to provide data that would inform future policy decisions, what was its purpose?
I respectfully ask the Commission to recommend the registration process established under
Ordinance No. 25-50 be implemented, monitored, and refined over time, before considering broader regulatory changes.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristin OFriel