2024-04-30 Bill 121 Doug Howell - Laserfiche WebLink

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From: Doug Howell To: W PCtesti mons Subject: Bills 121&123 Date: Tuesday,April 30,2024 8:10:45 AM Aloha Chairman Lin and all members of the Windward Planning Commission-, I am writing to express my concerns about Hawaii Bill 121 and its potential impact on our local communities.I believe the proposed regulations are a knee-jerk reaction which will not solve the main problem,which I see as affordability.The far-reaching implications of these laws have not been fully considered,and if passed,would be a tragedy for our county and its diverse residents. As a resident of Kea'au,I have witnessed firsthand the benefits that short-term rentals bring to Puna,not only in terms of economic growth but also in fostering a sense of aloha and community among visitors and residents alike. Two of my primary concerns are(1)the lack of data supporting the need for such stringent regulations,and(2)the cost of the almost certainly resulting litigation should it become law.It seems that the bill is being pushed forward without a thorough understanding of its potential consequences on homeowners and the local economy.Therefore,I urge the Planning Commission to recommend conducting an economic impact study before even considering new regulations.This study would provide valuable insights into how Bill 121 could affect our community and allow for more informed decision-making. The bill's proposed requirements,such as the affidavit requirement and invasive registration processes,pose significant challenges for homeowners.These requirements not only infringe on private property rights(making future litigation likely)but also create unnecessary burdens for those trying to comply with the law.I believe that streamlining the registration process and removing the affidavit requirement would be beneficial steps towards a more equitable and manageable system. The bill's approach to regulating where hosts live in relation to their guests is overly restrictive and fails to consider the diverse living arrangements that exist within our community.I recommend that the Planning Commission advocate for 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. According to the legislation's own website(hicountytar.consider.it),the results are already in:respondents overwhelmingly approve of Transient Accommodation Rentals.They overwhelmingly disagree that TARS take away from housing opportunities.They overwhelmingly agree that TARS add to the LOCAL economy.Please read the website you created for the purpose of getting community feedback,and you'll see very clearly what your constituents think about the proposed legislation. Since one of our—and your—biggest concerns is the impact of the proposed laws on our area's economy,please consider who benefits from the income you propose to eliminate.In the case of Puna rentals,the income goes in large part to local service providers such as cleaners,yard maintenance workers,handyman services,local markets and restaurants,pest control,and the list goes on.Not to mention that visitors who stay in Puna purchase many of their daily living necessities in Puna,in their LOCAL district,rather than adding to the bottom line of out-of-state corporations. Our state and county depend on tourists to survive.The rentals threatened by the TAR legislation make up an important part of Hawaii County's tourist housing portfolio.Or does the county only want to accept elite travelers? I have believed that Hawaii stands for diversity,not only in race,religion and other social areas but in economic level.The visitors who may one day make our'ohana the strongest may be the poorest.What options will we provide for them?What options for the agri-tourists who are drawn to Hawai`i's 'aina-friendly environment and way of life?We should be helping our renters to become the best renters in the world,not strangling their ability to show aloha to strangers. We know people who are renting to Hawaii residents who are in transition and need affordable,short-term housing. Where will they find it if this legislation passes?