Take Action
There are several items in this update that need your attention, but don't let that keep you from getting to the one at the end. Hawaii County needs change and "Change Begins at the Core"
Bill HB1838
At the last hearing on Bill 1838, which allows counties to phase out short term rentals, hotel supporters submitted 300+ letters while our industry only submitted 160. This was noticed. It only takes one minute to use our Bill HB1838 letter tool to generate your testimony. Please take just a couple of minutes to generate a new letter and submit it using these instructions.
Hawaii County Bill 121
Here is where we need help with the opposition to Bill 121.
Write to the Windward Planning Commission
We are trying to generate 300 letters proposing specific changes to this legislation. It only takes 1 minute to use our Bill 121 letter tool to create and send an email to the Windward Planning Commission. After our last hearing the newspapers discussed our "overwhelming opposition" to the legislation. Lets make that narrative stick. If you haven't sent one yet, take a minute and do it.
Sign the New Petition
We're circulating a new petition opposing Bill 121. The petition language has been updated and we're working to get 3,000 signatures. Go ahead and sign it today, then share it with your ohana on social media.
Confirm Attendance at the April 4th Meeting
We are working to get 100 people to attend the Windward Planning Commission meeting on April 4th at 9 AM to testify on Bill 121. You can testify via Zoom or in person at the Hilo Council Chamber. If you're going to be able to make it, please RSVP so we can keep track of our progress.
How Bill 121 Actually Works
Member Jennifer Wilkinson created this presentation that demonstrates how Bill 121 is being marketed vs. how it actually appears on paper. Don't be fooled by Heather's spin, this bill will hurt lots of families, maybe even yours.
Councilors For Life
In a maneuver that would make Vladimir Putin proud, last week Council District 8 Candidate Holeka Inaba proposed changes to the Hawaii County charter that reset term limits for the sitting council and allows Heather Kimball, Rebecca Villegas and the others to serve an additional 12 years The changes would take effect this year, and 90% of council elections are decided in the primary so after August 10th it's looking like we may be stuck with the existing council for a decade or more.
Core '24
This last one is a quick preview for thorough readers of what's coming soon. Hawaii County needs change and "Change begins at the Core."