2024-04-15 Bill 121 Aaron Iverson

Home

From: Mina He To: LPCtestimonv Subject: Concerns Regarding the Impact of Bill 121 on Second Home Owners Date: Monday,April 15,2024 3:38:23 PM Chairperson Barbara Defranco Leeward Planning Commission County of Hawaii 25 Aupuni St. Unit 1502 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Chairperson Lin & Commission Members, I am writing to express my concerns about the implications of Hawaii Bill 121 on individuals like myself who dream of making Hawaii their home. As someone currently residing on the mainland due to work commitments, I purchased a property in Hawaii with the hope of it being my future home. In the meantime, I rent it out to help cover the mortgage and expenses, a practice that Bill 121 seems to heavily restrict. The allure of Hawaii is notjust its beauty but the spirit of Aloha and understanding that permeates its communities. However, Bill 121, as it stands, threatens to undermine the financial feasibility for many of us who wish to maintain a connection to the island through our properties. The bill's stringent regulations on short-term rentals, particularly for non- resident homeowners, pose a significant challenge. I respectfully request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations to ensure the bill aligns more closely with the values of equity and fairness: Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay. As long as the owner is in the same building, on the same parcel, or on an adjacent parcel, it is an overreach to dictate their sleeping arrangements. Recommend streamlining the registration process and eliminating invasive requirements like dimensioned drawings and the disclosure of private details of their home, which pose unnecessary hurdles for homeowners. Recommend the inclusion of an undue hardship clause. This would provide an exemption for homeowners like myself, who rely on rental income to maintain our ties to Hawaii and prevent the risk of losing our properties. The essence of these requests is to balance the need for regulation with the rights and needs of property owners. It is crucial to ensure that the regulations do not inadvertently penalize those of us who contribute positively to Hawaii's economy and culture, albeit from afar. I appreciate your consideration of these points and hope for a resolution that respects the dreams of many who, like me, see Hawaii as their future home. Mahalo for your time and understanding.