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From: Kauakea <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Bill 121 input <br /> Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 12:33:57 PM <br /> To; Chairman Dennis Lin Windward Planning Commission County of Hawai'i 25 Aupuni St. <br /> Unit 1502 Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Aloha Chairman Lin, <br /> I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our <br /> local communities,particularly in terms of enforceability, inequity, and the transformation of <br /> neighborhoods. As a resident deeply invested in the well-being of our community, I believe it <br /> is crucial to address these issues before moving forward with the bill. Firstly, the <br /> enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. Without adequate resources and <br /> manpower, the Planning Department may struggle to effectively enforce the new regulations, <br /> leading to selective enforcement and potential inequities. This could unfairly target certain <br /> property owners while allowing others to bypass the rules, creating an uneven playing field. <br /> Secondly, the bill introduces inequity by differentiating between property owners based on <br /> their residency status. This distinction could disadvantage local families who rely on short- <br /> term rentals as a source of income, further exacerbating the economic divide within our <br /> community. It is essential to ensure equal treatment for all property owners,regardless of <br /> whether they live on-site or not. Lastly, the transformation of neighborhoods is a significant <br /> concern. By imposing strict regulations on short-term rentals, we risk altering the character of <br /> our neighborhoods and limiting the availability of affordable accommodations for visitors. <br /> This could have a detrimental effect on our local economy, which heavily relies on tourism. In <br /> light of these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the <br /> following recommendations: 1 Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts <br /> live and where guests stay, ensuring fairness for all property owners. 2 Recommend <br /> streamlining the registration process to make it more accessible for homeowners. <br /> 3 Recommend conducting an economic impact study to fully understand the implications <br /> of Bill 121 on our community. Thank you for considering my concerns and recommendations. <br /> I believe that by working together, we can find a balanced approach that protects the interests <br /> of our community while fostering a welcoming environment for visitors. <br /> Mahalo nui loa, <br /> Tami Winston <br /> Honoka'a, HI <br /> 808-754-5698 <br />