The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Hawai‘i County Council on May 21, 2025.
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May 21, 2025, 9 a.m.
Hawai‘i County Building
To: Hawai‘i County Council
Holeka Goro Inaba, Chair
Dennis “Fresh” Onishi, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Joe Kent, Executive Vice President
RE: Bill 47 (2025)— RELATING TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS
Aloha Chair Inaba, Vice Chair Onishi and other members of the Council,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has concerns with Bill 47 (2025), which would create a registry for all short-term rentals on the island and establish penalties for operating an unregistered STR.
First of all, Grassroot believes the Council should wait until the results of the county’s economic impact study on STRs are released before passing any legislation adding rules to STR operations.
Grassroot is also concerned that establishing a registry would harm the island’s smallest STR operators most. People who are renting a room out of their homes could face serious penalties for a small mistake, such as forgetting to file their annual registration form.
If the bill does move forward, Grassroot suggests the Council reduce the mandatory $10,000 civil fine for operating an unregistered STR outlined in Section 4-46. Many residents might not have this level of money saved up to cover an unexpected expense. A lower fine amount or a graduated system — in which fines do not apply until after the second or third violation — would be more appropriate.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Joe Kent
Executive Vice President
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
