2024-04-04 PL-CCI-2024-000003 Bill 121 William Holman

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From: William Holman To: WPCtestimony Subject: Urgent concerns about bill 121 and impacts on the local community Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 12:02:17 PM TO: Chairman Dennis Lin Windward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni St. Unit 1502 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Chairman Lin, I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our local communities, particularly in terms of enforceability, inequity, and the transformation of neighborhoods. As a resident deeply invested in the well-being of our community, I believe it is crucial to address these issues before moving forward with the bill. Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant concerns. Without adequate resources and manpower, the Planning Department may struggle to effectively enforce the new regulations, leading to selective enforcement and potential inequities. This could unfairly target certain property owners while allowing others to bypass the rules, creating an uneven playing field. Secondly, the bill introduces inequity by differentiating between property owners based on their residency status. This distinction could disadvantage local families who rely on short- term rentals as a source of income, further exacerbating the economic divide within our community. It is essential to ensure equal treatment for all property owners, regardless of whether they live on-site or not. Lastly, the transformation of neighborhoods is a significant concern. By imposing strict regulations on short-term rentals, we risk altering the character of our neighborhoods and limiting the availability of affordable accommodations for visitors. This could have a detrimental effect on our local economy, which heavily relies on tourism. In light of these concerns, I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations: Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, ensuring fairness for all property owners. Recommend streamlining the registration process to make it more accessible for homeowners. Recommend conducting an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of Bill 121 on our community.