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From: me@emilycoombs.com on behalf of Emily Coombs <br /> To: WPCtestimony <br /> Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Bill 121 and Its Impact on Local Communities <br /> Date: Thursday,April 4,2024 11:19:29 AM <br /> TO: Chairman Dennis Lin Windward Planning Commission County of Hawai'i 25 Aupuni St. <br /> Unit 1502 Hilo, HI 96720 Aloha Chairman Lin, I am writing to express my deep concerns <br /> regarding Bill 121 and its potential impacts on our local communities,particularly in terms of <br /> enforceability, inequity, and the transformation of neighborhoods. As a resident deeply <br /> invested in the well-being of our community, I believe it is crucial to address these issues <br /> before moving forward with the bill. Firstly, the enforceability of Bill 121 raises significant <br /> concerns. Without adequate resources and manpower, the Planning Department may struggle <br /> to effectively enforce the new regulations, leading to selective enforcement and potential <br /> inequities. This could unfairly target certain property owners while allowing others to bypass <br /> the rules, creating an uneven playing field. Secondly, the bill introduces inequity by <br /> differentiating between property owners based on their residency status. This distinction could <br /> disadvantage local families who rely on short-term rentals as a source of income, further <br /> exacerbating the economic divide within our community. It is essential to ensure equal <br /> treatment for all property owners, regardless of whether they live on-site or not. Lastly, the <br /> transformation of neighborhoods is a significant concern. By imposing strict regulations on <br /> short-term rentals, we risk altering the character of our neighborhoods and limiting the <br /> availability of affordable accommodations for visitors. This could have a detrimental effect on <br /> our local economy, which heavily relies on tourism. In light of these concerns, I respectfully <br /> request the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations: <br /> 1 Recommend the removal of restrictions about where hosts live and where guests stay, <br /> ensuring fairness for all property owners. <br /> 2 Recommend streamlining the registration process to make it more accessible for <br /> homeowners. <br /> 3 Recommend conducting an economic impact study to fully understand the implications of <br /> Bill 121 on our community. Thank you for considering my concerns and recommendations. I <br /> believe that by working together, we can find a balanced approach that protects the interests of <br /> our community while fostering a welcoming environment for visitors. <br /> Mahalo nui loa, <br /> Emily Coombs <br /> Po 508, Honoka'a, Hi, <br />