Meeting Time: August 30, 2021 at 1:30pm HST
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Agenda Item

PSLU-69 CC 21-140 AMENDING CHAPTERS 19.35, 19.64, AND 19.65, MAUI COUNTY CODE, RELATING TO ACCESSORY DWELLING, BED AND BREAKFAST HOME, AND SHORT-TERM RENTAL HOME PERMITS (PSLU-69)

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Dear Committee Chair Tamara Paltin and Planning and Sustainable Land Use Committee Members,

    As a short-term rental operator and West Maui resident, I support the amendments proposed on PSLU item 69, provided the council members do NOT CHANGE section 13. It is important for existing permit holders to be able to continue to operate under the conditions in which their original permits were issued. If section 13 is changed, many legal existing operators may find their permits in jeopardy. I for one would lose my right to operate and ultimately the income my family depends on for our livelihood. Likewise, at least 50% of the existing short-term rental permit holders are local residents just like me. We run our vacation rentals as small businesses, employing a myriad of local contractors, service people, bookkeepers, and maintenance workers. As such, our small businesses help to sustain the local economy, keeping money circulating within our community and fulfilling the Maui County Policy to support local businesses.

    As LEGAL short-term rental owner, we take great pride in our business and always adhere to the County rules. We have never had a complaint, we hire local people, pay generous rates, and most importantly care about our community. On behalf of myself, my family, and all of the resident operators, I ask that the Council members to take this into consideration. You have my support to make the amendments as described in PSLU 69, however please DO NOT change section 13. Let the existing and legitimate permit holders continue to operate under the original conditions in which they were approved.

    Mahalo,

    Michael Russell

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Aloha,
    We can support this proposal so long as you do not change Section 13 (which allows existing permitted STRH to continue to operate and to renew their permits.)
    Our STRH supports the local economy by hiring housekeepers, window cleaners, pool cleaners, landscapers, plumbers, a/c techs, repair people, etc. In order to remain competitive, we need to keep our property in pristine condition. If we cannot rent our home as a STRH, we will no longer be able to support these local workers. Our STRH is an oceanfront home; it is not an affordable housing option for local residents. Our home has not had any complaints and has the support of our neighbors. Our guests are well informed with the House Rules. We comply with all county regulations. We pay extremely high property taxes for the opportunity to share our vacation home with others (higher than the hotels) and we pay 14.25% monthly in GET and TAT taxes. To eliminate the STRH would be a huge disservice to Maui. Staying in a vacation home with extended family is a unique vacation opportunity. Our guests always thank us profusely for sharing our home with them. Please let us continue to operate. If we cannot provide this type of vacation housing, our guests will choose to vacation somewhere other than Maui and these financial benefits will be lost.
    The STRH program contributes much to the local economy. It is an asset that was thoughtfully and thoroughly considered, took many years to develop and provides so much to our community. We are hopeful that the STRH program is allowed to continue to benefit Maui.

    Mahalo,

    Tryg and Barb Fortun

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Dear Esteemed Islands Leaders, Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony.

    My wife and I have operated a vacation rental home in Kaanapali since receiving our permit in 2014. We have provided a safe vacation destination for many families over the past 6+ years. Our home is in a quiet neighborhood on the mauka side of the highway surrounded by the Kaanapali Kai golf course. Our guests are fully vetted by our professional vacation rental managers and are families who come to enjoy our island with respect. Our guests agree in writing to abide by the rules of our house and the STRH ordinance.

    In the Kaanapali Vista neighborhood about 30% of the homes are either STRH permit holders or B &B operators. With a few neighbors, we formed an association that raised funds to repave our streets and repair street lights. We are in frequent communication with our neighbors and no guest party in our area has given rise to any complaint or disturbance during the years we have owned our home and been permitted STRH operators. In the Kaanapali Vista community visitors and full-time residents are able to co-exist in harmony. In fact, the permitted homes in our neighborhood are the most well-maintained.

    Like many Short Term Rental Home permittees, we have created sustainable economic benefits for our island community. In addition to the higher property tax rate assessed on STRH property, by sharing our home with island visitors for the portion of the year during which we are not on the island, we employ a management team, a top-quality landscaper, and a house-keeping staff. In addition, because we must keep our house in top condition we pay maintenance professionals for repairs and upkeep. All of this benefits the island's economy.

    We support these above mentioned ordinance amendments that ensure current permit holders are able renew existing permits under rules and zoning regulations in place when they originally got their permits as long as there are no changes to section 13. We believe it would be very unfair to existing permit holders to refuse renewal of permits for STRH permittees who are compliant with county rules and laws and have a history of being responsible operators.

    Mahalo,
    Russell & Elizabeth Evans
    16 Holomakani Place
    Lahaina HI 96761

    STRH Permit: STWM 2014-0004

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    I support this in general because it’s a good step the the large problems for low income and not enough housing issues on Molokai. I feel this is something that would boost tourism and bring revenue to the island especially once the pandemic is over and everyone has the urge to travel again. This is a good direction to bring in some income to the state and create jobs for people who are interested in hospitality and tourism as self-employed workers.

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Subject: PSLU item 69, support if no changes to section 13

    Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony.

    Dear Chairperson and Committee Members,

    We have a condo in Wailea Ekahi unit 54 D. It has been in my family since the 1980's. We use it personally but also do short term rentals. We have never had any complaints from our neighbors while renting our unit. Also our neighbors support the property as short term rental. Our guests are always informed of the house rules and our manager Destination makes sure we follow the rules for the county and state.

    Our rental supports a staff of local people which include house keeping, hotel staff, and maintenance people. This property is part of my small business enterprise which also supports the local community. We pay fair wages and do care about the local people. The current permits support the objective in the Countywide Policy Plan to encourage resident ownership of visitor related businesses. We are a legal legitimate vacation rental under the current laws, and we comply with all the county regulations in order to participate.

    We also pay higher property taxes then the hotels. We pay the local daily taxes for each day rented.

    I would be happy to discuss our concerns in person with each member of the committee.

    In summary we oppose changing our residence classification to not allowing short term rental.

    Kind regards,

    Jim Loughead

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Aloha-

    I am writing to voice my approval for PSLU item 69 f no changes to section 13. I have had a legal permit since 1990 and have always filed and paid GET and TAT taxes completely and in timely manner along with the top rate for property taxes .
    Below are other items that indicate my commitment to the local Maui community.

    • Guests are always informed of house rules and those are enforced both by local resident manager, staff and on island agent with local staffing.
    • The neighbors are supportive and know how well maintained the property is kept supporting local maintenance staff and trade professionals.
    • I support local businesses, hire local people, pays fair rates, and have always try to be a part of the local community and treat all with Aloha.
    • As a permit holder I have a legal legitimate vacation rental, and I comply with all the county regulations in order to participate.
    • I support the Maui Countywide Policy Plan as a individual business that is appropriate for and in character with the community.

    Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony.

    James E Sanford
    Maui Kamaole

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Subject: PSLU item 69, support if no changes to section 13

    Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony.

    I’m writing to support this Bill as proposed and specifically to allow existing B&B and STRH permit holders to continue operations and renew under zoning restrictions when they were originally permitted, and apply for renewal subject to renewal procedures of the ordinance. Please do not amend any changes to Section 13 of Chapter 19.65 of the Maui County code relating to accessory dwellings, bed and breakfast homes, and short term rental homes.

    Current legal B&Bs and STRH provide a substantial tax base to the County’s affordable housing fund along with employing many hard working residents of Maui. Let these small businesses to continue to support and contribute to Maui’s community. Many have been severely impacted to COVID-19 including these small businesses and many working Maui residents. This is the time to work together to support our community and businesses.

    Mahalo,

    Mr. K.”Kai" Brimmer
    Business Owner & Resident
    mauinani2014@gmail.com

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    PSLU item 69, support if no changes to section 13
    I’m writing to support this Bill as proposed and specifically to allow existing B&B and STRH permit holders to continue operations and renew under zoning restrictions when they were originally permitted, and apply for renewal subject to renewal procedures of the ordinance. Please do not amend any changes to Section 13 of Chapter 19.65 of the Maui County code relating to accessory dwellings, bed and breakfast homes, and short term rental homes.
    Current legal B&Bs and STRH provide a substantial tax base to the County’s affordable housing fund along with employing many hard working residents of Maui. Let these small businesses to continue to support and contribute to Maui’s community. Many have been severely impacted to COVID-19 including these small businesses and many working Maui residents. This is the time to work together to support our community and businesses.

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Subject: PSLU item 69, support and please DELETE SECTION 13
    Aloha Council Members,
    Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony.
    I fully support the PSLU item 69 passage and also support the removal of SECTION 13. Our island is overrun with tourists and we must contain the number of tourists coming to this island.
    We live along the Road to Hana and face horrific traffic jams daily caused by the tourists who have no regard for our aina and flout our traffic laws.
    It has become untenable.
    Additionally, allowing non-hotel stays has driven up the cost of housing for everyday working people who need multiple jobs to stay here. It isn’t fair.
    PLEASE HELP US BY PASSING ITEN 69 AND DELETING SECTION 13
    Mahalo nui
    Chuck Spence
    400 Mehana Rd, Haiku, HI 96708

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Elaine Hornell, Wailea Ekahi 9E Owner of short term rental and Permit Holder for 11years. I post House Rules in my condo and ask all guests to read the Rules and abide by them and to date I have not had any complaints form neighbors or the staff at Wailea Ekahi.As an Owner of a rental unit I employ a caretaker, housekeepers, repair persons, carpet cleaners, window cleaners, A/C maintenance and would not employ all these people if I didn't rent my unit. My guests shops in your shops, eat in your restaurants, take part in activities and use your gold courses all of which employ local people. I pay taxes greatly inflated because it is a rental unit. I also pay the tourist tax and the General Excise tax of 14.42% which adds to the economy of Maui.We are legitimate Permit holders and love our community. We pay to belong to Wailea Community Association that provides and upkeeps the roads and walkways. We contribute to the community of Maui and could not do so without a rental income. For the locals and the economy of Maui please reconsider this Bill. I appreciate your time. Elaine Hornell,ehornell@icloud.com

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    PSLU item 69, support if no changes to section 13

    We pay additional taxes because our property is a rental unit and those taxes would seriously be reduced if indeed we did not rent.

    We are legitimate Permit holders and pay the tourist tax and the Generral Excise tax with a portion going to Ohau and would not be submitting any of those taxes which are 14.42% of our rental rate if indeed we did not rent.

    Please reconsider your bill for the sake of the locals you will hurt and the demise of our economy. This bill will seriously devalue property values and yes make it more affordable for locals to buy, but who will employ them?
    There is much to consider and I hope you will

    Thank you for your time.

    Elaine Hornell
    P: 1-604-985-6469
    Cell: 1-604-813-7733
    E: ehornell@icloud.com
    www.Maui9E.com

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    I am submitting testimony that I support to amend the STRH and B&B ordinance scheduled for Monday, as long as there is no change to section 13.

    We are long-term (30 years +) residents of Maui, have had no complaints, no problems with our neighbors (very private) and always inform our guests of our house rules. We have never had a problem.

    Our property became unavailable for long-term rental once our elderly family members decided to live in the Ohana for several months, each year.

    We also support Maui, Maui businesses, pay fair wages for help to care for our property. We also have a long-term rental in Paia.

    I am in hopes that we can continue our good service to Maui and continue to house stable, tenants that contribute to our local economy.
    Thank-you for your consideration.

    Debra for Debra and Todd Preseault
    --
    Aloha,
    Debra P.
    808-283-7370

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    Re: section 13: Please keep the language in the ordinance that says permit holders can renew with the regulations that were in place when they received their permits. We support local businesses and suppliers as do our guests.

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    From: Tin Doan <tindoan71@icloud.com>

    Subject: PSLU item 69, support if no changes to section 13

    Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony.

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    Guest User about 3 years ago

    We are in support of the proposed changes, EXCEPT for section 13. We want you to please keep the language in the ordinance that says permit holders can renew with the regulations that were in place when they received their permits as it would disadvantage existing permit holders that have abided by your rules thus far. Mahalo!