• Vacation rentals Vacation rentals Kaua‘i is a great place to live, but at the same time has lots of real problems that beg for solutions. Our elected leaders acknowledge the problem areas, make grandiose statements, and then do little
• Vacation rentals
Vacation rentals
Kaua‘i is a great place to live, but at the same time has lots of real problems that beg for solutions. Our elected leaders acknowledge the problem areas, make grandiose statements, and then do little or nothing about them. Now, Councilwoman JoAnn Yukimura has come up with another new “problem” with which we can divert public attention from the real issues such as property taxes that have risen to confiscatory levels. Last week, the mayor attacked gated communities. Before that, our elected representatives attacked the inter-island ferry and the proposed Costco store. Now, JoAnn’s new horror is “vacation rentals” in residential areas.
Why this poses a county problem is difficult for me to understand. Residential neighborhoods, by definition, are places where people reside. Whether the same people reside there day after day, or different ones at different times, clearly has no impact on a neighborhood’s service needs. As long as county occupancy limits are followed, what’s the difference?
I can think of myriad ways that vacation rentals benefit the county — aside from the obvious ones such as increased visitor spending and jobs associated with maintaining the rental units. Unlike fulltime housing, no vacation rental is occupied 100 percent of the time, meaning less trash to be picked up, less effluent flowing into cesspools, and less wear and tear on the roads. A family of four vacationing together would generally rent only one car during their stay. A typical local family would have a car for every family member over the age of 16, creating greater traffic problems. Not only that, but a vacationer is often here to enjoy our beaches and other natural wonders, and is far less apt to drive during the busy rush hours when all locals are trying to get to work at the same time. A vacationing family would likely eat out more often, helping to support jobs in our restaurant and entertainment businesses. People on vacation are probably less prone to domestic violence, drug abuse, and other such problems requiring police intervention. Sure, there are problem vacation renters, just as there are problem long-term renters. However, when the neighbors know that the offenders will be leaving in a week or two, it is easier to maintain harmony and keep feuds from escalating.
So, why is it, Ms. Yukimura, that you persist in trying to put forth solutions for problems that don’t exist? Is it your personal agenda of what you want for Kaua‘i? Be aware that we do not all feel as you do. Please listen. Also, be aware that we have come to this sorry state in part because you and the council persist in raising our taxes (driving those of us on fixed incomes to sell out in a vicious circle which leads to higher prices) and spending wantonly on fluff, while ignoring the deteriorating roads, potholes, traffic, and other frustrations we have to endure. As mayor, you put the county into dire financial straits, and pitted citizen against citizen in your zeal to force us to live your way. Please don’t do this to us again.
