HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-16 Caleb Milliken Opposition Testimony - Late
From: Araceley, Relley
To: Dacayanan, Melissa
Subject: FW: Testimony on Bill 147 relating to STVR"s
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026 12:18:03 PM
Hey Mel,
I think the testimony below if for you folks.
Mahalo,
Mr. Relley Araceley
Office of the County Clerk
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1402
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-8429
Subject: Testimony on Bill 147 relating to STVR's
From: C M <crmilliken@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:49 AM
To: Council Remote Testimony <councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov>
Aloha Leeward Planning Commission and Hawaiʻi County Council Members,
My name is Caleb Milliken. I was raised in Kona, and Hawaiʻi Island is my home.
I supported the County's registration requirement because I believe responsible operators
should register, pay their GET and TAT taxes, and operate with integrity. That is our kuleana.
Bill 147, however, goes far beyond registration.
As you consider the future of this ordinance, I hope you will see it as more than a regulatory
decision. It is an opportunity to strengthen the people who live, work, and raise their ʻohana
on Hawaiʻi Island.
The County's own economic impact study confirms that locally operated visitor
accommodations generate significant tax revenue, sustain thousands of local jobs, and keep
visitor spending circulating through our communities. It also demonstrates that additional
restrictions are unlikely to meaningfully increase the long-term housing supply.
That presents a remarkable opportunity.
Rather than placing additional burdens on responsible local operators, Hawaiʻi County can
become a leader in creating policies that help local residents participate in the visitor
economy. Every locally operated visitor accommodation supports not only the owner, but also
local cleaners, landscapers, contractors, restaurants, activity providers, retailers, farmers, and
countless other small businesses that make our island thrive.
For many of us, hosting visitors is not simply a business. It is what allows us to remain in
Hawaiʻi, care for our ʻohana, continue farming, employ local workers, and contribute to the
communities we love.
We respectfully ask you to build a framework that encourages compliance, protects
responsible local operators, and recognizes the tremendous value that locally operated visitor
accommodations bring to Hawaiʻi Island.
This is an opportunity to invest in local people, local jobs, local farms, local businesses, and
local economic resilience.
The County has already established a registration system that provides accountability and
supports tax compliance. Bill 147 goes far beyond that.
I respectfully urge you to reject Bill 147 in its current form and instead develop legislation that
protects our neighborhoods while empowering local residents, farmers, and small businesses
to participate responsibly in Hawaiʻi Island's visitor economy.
This is an opportunity to strengthen—not burden—the people who live, work, and invest in
our island every day.
Mahalo for your time, your service, and your consideration.
Caleb Milliken
808-747-0267