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From: Liz Lees <br /> To: LPCtestimonv <br /> Subject: Subject: Urgent Call for Reevaluation of Bill 121"s Impact on Local Communities <br /> Date: Saturday,April 13,2024 8:35:14 AM <br /> Aloha Chairperson Lin & Commission Members, <br /> I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our local <br /> communities, economy, and the very essence of what makes Hawai'i unique. As a resident deeply <br /> invested in the well-being of our island, I urge the commission to consider the broader implications of this <br /> measure and recommend necessary amendments to ensure it serves the best interest of all stakeholders <br /> involved. <br /> Firstly, the lack of comprehensive data to support the enactment of Bill 121 is alarming. Without a <br /> thorough economic impact study,we are navigating in the dark, risking unintended consequences that <br /> could exacerbate the very issues we aim to solve. I implore the commission to recommend conducting an <br /> economic impact study to fully understand the bill's implications on local families,the tourism industry, <br /> and our economy at large. <br /> Moreover, the bill's approach to regulating short-term rentals raises significant concerns regarding <br /> enforceability, inequity, and private property rights. The affidavit requirement, for instance, places an <br /> undue burden on homeowners and could lead to non-compliance due to its invasive nature. I recommend <br /> the commission to advise the removal of this requirement to foster a more cooperative and less <br /> adversarial relationship between the county and property owners. <br /> Additionally,the bill's restrictions on where hosts live in relation to their guests are overly restrictive and <br /> infringe on property owners' rights.A more balanced approach would allow owners to reside in the same <br /> building, on the same parcel, or an adjacent parcel without dictating their exact sleeping arrangements. <br /> This recommendation respects private property rights while still addressing the commission's concerns <br /> about neighborhood transformation. <br /> In closing, I respectfully request the commission to consider these recommendations and engage in a <br /> more inclusive dialogue with the community to find a path forward that honors Hawai'i's unique culture, <br /> supports sustainable tourism, and protects the rights and livelihoods of its residents. <br /> Mahalo for your attention to these critical issues. <br /> Liz Lees <br /> Hawaii County full time resident <br /> 77-110 Nahale PL <br /> Kai lua Kona, HI 96740 <br />