Laserfiche WebLink
From: Barry Northrop <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Bill 121 Planning Commission testimony <br /> Date: Tuesday,April 2,2024 11:43:14 AM <br /> Dear Planning Commission, <br /> For years, Hawaii county has vilified homeowners who rent vacation space to island visitors. <br /> Fair and reasonable regulation is essential but Bill 121 is an onerous overreach that imposes <br /> over-bearing and stifling control over its residents. <br /> My comments are geared specifically to owner-hosted accommodations. Bill 121 force fits all <br /> transient accommodation rentals into the same box but this is misquided. There is a profound <br /> difference between an out-of-state entity that seeks to maximize profits vs. a retired couple <br /> trying to make ends meets. <br /> Bill 121 reads like a manifesto in favor of distant faceless corporate financial interests (i.e., <br /> hotels) over kama'aina well-being and survival. If I were an major hotel chain, I would be <br /> licking my chops for a law that squeezed the life from my competition. <br /> As a reminder, the General Plan strives to position Hawaii Island for economic progress <br /> while preserving the environment and strengthening community foundations. The county's <br /> General Plan 2045 draft sets a goal for a healthy visitor industry: "A high quality of life for <br /> residents is maintained while a regenerative visitor industry thrives through attracting people <br /> seeking authentic,connected experiences (p. 164)." What better way to achieve this than by <br /> encouraging residents to open their homes to travelers?Instead, Bill 121 practically <br /> criminalizes these endeavors. <br /> $10,000 fines? Really? In local newspapers, I see bail and fines for heinous criminal mayhem <br /> for less. Disgusting. <br /> Please do a reset and dial down the high-handed barriers imposed by Bill 121. I suggest that <br /> owner-hosted accommodations be addressed by Chapter 25 (Zoning Code)using the Planning <br /> Department's Home Occupation Declaration. With a few minor tweaks, this long standing, <br /> currently available process suffices and is eminently applicable. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Barry Northrop <br /> Naalehu <br />