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From: Pea Dog <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Bills 122 and 123 and Their Impact on Small Business Owners <br /> Date: Friday,April 26,2024 10:45:10 AM <br /> Aloha Chairperson Lin, <br /> I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding Bills 122 and 123, which directly impact <br /> small business owners like myself who have invested time,resources, and hope into <br /> converting our vacation rentals into bed and breakfasts, following the guidance and <br /> recommendations made by Heather Kimball during her public zoom meetings. <br /> It has come to my attention that, despite the encouragement to transition our properties into <br /> bed and breakfasts, these bills now propose to cancel the permits for such establishments. This <br /> move is not only contradictory but also undermines the trust and efforts of small business <br /> owners who have followed the process in good faith. I personally sought assistance from the <br /> Small Business Administration for Hawai'i Island and was informed by the county that an <br /> ordinary citizen could not apply for a special use permit without professional help, <br /> necessitating the hiring of one of their recommended consultants. This requirement adds an <br /> unnecessary financial and bureaucratic burden on small business owners. <br /> Zendo Kern, himself, told the director of the Small Business Administration that Private <br /> citizens are incapable of navigating the application process and need the professional <br /> guidance of a paid consultant, <br /> The lack of clear and consistent guidance, coupled with the proposed cancellation of permits, <br /> creates an environment of uncertainty and instability for small business owners who are <br /> striving to contribute positively to our local economy and community. It is imperative that <br /> these bills be reconsidered,with a more inclusive and supportive approach towards those who <br /> have already taken steps to comply with previous recommendations. <br /> I urge the commission to engage in a more transparent and collaborative dialogue with all <br /> stakeholders, including small business owners, to ensure that any legislative changes support <br /> sustainable development and economic growth for our island. <br /> Mahalo, <br /> Pamela <br /> Kawaihae <br /> PamelaBigIsland,4.gmail.com <br />