2024-03-31 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 David Wilding M.D. Testimony

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From: David Wilding To: W PCtesti mono Subject: Request for Flexible Occupancy Standards in Bill 121 Date: Sunday, March 31, 2024 4:54:03 PM Aloha Chairperson Lin, We are owners of a "TAR" in Hawaii County and are proud parents and grandparents who often host large families in our Hawai'i home. Our testimony today focuses on the proposed renter limit from the Planning Directors Recommendations (#9) for bill 121, which outlines a maximum of two adults per bedroom, with allowances for two additional adults per rental unit. While we appreciate the intent to establish clear and enforceable occupancy standards, the rigidity of this proposal does not account for the diversity of family sizes and the design of various homes. Our property, for instance, has been the site of many joyful family gatherings, with its spacious bedrooms and common areas designed to accommodate large groups comfortably and safely. The proposed cap will unfairly disadvantage us, when we rent to families who may have more than ten adults, or multi-generational families choosing to travel together. This potentially leading to an inadvertent discrimination based on familial status—a concern under the Fair Housing Act. We believe the clause "unless authorized by the Director" in the section leaves too much to discretion and may not be practically invoked by families looking for short-term accommodations. A more equitable approach would be to continue the practice of the Planning Department assessing and setting occupancy limits on a case-by-case basis, as the draft is currently written. This method respects the unique design of each home and the needs of each family. We urge the commission to reconsider the proposed occupancy limits and adopt a more flexible framework that accounts for the variability in dwelling designs and family compositions. Doing so would uphold the spirit of hospitality and inclusiveness that our community is known for. Sincerely, David Wilding, M.D.