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From: Ashley Welton Lake <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Urgent Need for Reevaluation of Bill 121"s Impact on Local Communities <br /> Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 7:12:45 PM <br /> Aloha Chairman Lin, <br /> I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposed measures under Bill 121. <br /> As a resident of Hawaii County, I believe it is crucial to address the negative impacts this <br /> bill could have on our local communities, particularly in terms of enforceability, and <br /> economic impact to the community and county. <br /> Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. The resources required to <br /> monitor and enforce the new regulations could strain the Planning Department's already <br /> limited human resources. This could divert attention from other critical planning and <br /> development issues facing our county. <br /> The economic impact of these extreme restrictions and regulations proposed in bill 121 has <br /> not been looked at impact to families who rely on this income, and the county & state <br /> who currently collects nearly 20% of every transient dollar that passes into our state, not to <br /> mention income tax. <br /> It also does not take into account alternative rentals like glamping which guests to our <br /> state seek out <br /> In light of these concerns, I urge the Planning Commission to consider the following <br /> recommendations: <br /> Conduct an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of Bill 121 on our <br /> local economy and housing market. <br /> Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, as <br /> long as the owner is in the same building, on the same parcel, or on an adjacent parcel. <br /> Recommend streamlining the registration process and eliminating invasive requirements, <br /> which could deter homeowners from participating in the short-term rental market. <br /> These steps will help ensure that any regulations implemented are fair, enforceable, and in <br /> the best interest of all Hawaii County residents. <br /> Mahalo for your attention to these matters. I look forward to your thoughtful consideration <br /> and am hopeful for a resolution that supports the well-being of our communities. <br /> Mahalo nui loa, <br /> Ashley Lake <br />