HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-16 Qiuping Zhang Testimony - LateFrom: Catherine Zhang
To: Planning LPC Testimony
Subject: Testimony in Support of Hosted Airbnb
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 9:00:01 AM
Aloha Chair, Vice Chair, and Members of the Hawaiʻi County Council,
My name is Qiuping Zhang, and I am a hosted Airbnb operator on
Hawaiʻi Island.
I respectfully ask you to continue supporting hosted vacation rentals under
Bill 147.
Hosting is our family’s primary source of income. We live on the property
and personally welcome and care for our guests. Because we are on-site,
we make sure our guests respect our neighborhood, keep noise to a
minimum, and follow all house rules. We have never caused problems for
our neighbors, and we are proud to maintain a peaceful and respectful
environment.
Our guests come to Hawaiʻi to experience the aloha spirit. We are grateful
that they consistently leave wonderful reviews and enjoy their stay. Seeing
happy guests return home with great memories is one of the most
rewarding parts of hosting.
Hosted Airbnb also supports our local economy. We hire local cleaners to
prepare and maintain our home, providing them with stable, ongoing
income. This work helps local families earn a living and continue living on
Hawaiʻi Island. In addition, our guests spend money at local restaurants,
grocery stores, coffee shops, farmers markets, tour companies, and many
other small businesses throughout the island.
Hosted Airbnb is very different from absentee-operated vacation rentals. As
owner-occupants, we have every incentive to be good neighbors and
responsible members of our community. We care deeply about our
neighborhood and work hard to ensure our guests respect our community.
Please continue to support responsible hosted Airbnb operators. Hosted
rentals help local families, create jobs, support small businesses, and allow
visitors to experience the true aloha spirit while protecting the quality of
life in our neighborhoods.
Mahalo for your time, your consideration, and your service to Hawaiʻi
County.
“Without hosted Airbnb, many local families like ours would lose an important source of income, and local workers and small businesses would also be negatively affected.”
Respectfully,
Qiuping Zhang
Hosted Airbnb Owner and Hawaiʻi Island Resident
Catherine Z. 510-579-9722