2024-04-15 Bill 121 & 122 Keola Akao

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From: Keola Akao To: LPCtestimonv Subject: transient accommodation rentals and hosting platform Date: Monday,April 15,2024 11:47:20 AM Aloha, I am writing this testimony in opposition of the ordinances being intimated on April 18th 2024 as follows: "7. INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL-CCI-2024-000003) Bill 121, an ordinance amending Chapter 25,Articles 1, 4 and 5, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to transient accommodation rentals and hosting platforms. Repeals Section 25-4-16 through Section 25-4-16.3 relating to Short-term Vacation Rentals and establishes new provisions for Transient Accommodation Rentals and Hosting Platforms for Transient Accommodation Rentals. 8. INITIATOR: COUNTY COUNCIL (PL-CCI-2024-000004) Bill 122, an ordinance amending Chapter 25 and Chapter 14, Article 4, Section 14-20, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to the repeal of bed and breakfast as a permitted use. Repeals all provisions that allow for Bed and Breakfast establishments." The reason I am writing in opposition is because of the benefit that the ability to utilize Transient Accommodation Rentals and Bed and Breakfast establishments is a vital part of affording to live in Hawaii. I am a resident of Kona, born and raised in Kona to a Hawaiian family who has been in Kona for generations. As is known to many Kanaka, living in Hawaii is ridiculously expensive. For those of us local families that have been able to take advantage of Transient Accommodations and Bed and Breakfast establishments,this has alleviated some of the stress and suffering sustained by these high living expenses to stay in our birthplace. Without the income provided by these accommodations,we would be forced out of our home most likely to the mainland. Although many accommodations are operated by outsiders, there are still local families who utilize this opportunity to keep Hawaiian lands in Hawaiian hands. This gives me and my family as well as many other families the opportunity to raise our children in the place we have always called home, a place our roots run deep, and a place where we belong. I am asking for consideration to proceed in a more delicate manner and remember the local people that will be adversely affected by this. I am in support of keeping Transient Accommodation Rentals and Bed and Breakfast Establishments for Hawaii County, especially for those local families who operate responsibly,respectfully, and to keep local families where they belong. Mahalo.