Bed and breakfasts were up for discussion again at Wednesday’s County Council meeting. Councilman Ross Kagawa summed up the goal of the current proposed B&B bill, saying that it’s a chance to control where and how homestays and B&Bs operate.
Bed and breakfasts were up for discussion again at Wednesday’s County Council meeting.
Councilman Ross Kagawa summed up the goal of the current proposed B&B bill, saying that it’s a chance to control where and how homestays and B&Bs operate.
“The main thing is that we have a process that’s fair,” Kagawa said.
Keeping an even playing field, as well as standardizing fees and perimeters, would eliminate extra work for the planning department and confusion for everyone, he said.
Councilmembers said they needed more information before the bill’s Jan. 13 public hearing.
“I have some questions for the planning department to be ready for,” Kagawa said. “How many (Transient Vacation Rentals), B&Bs, and Air B&Bs are there in the (Visitor Designated Area), residential, and ag areas, both legal and illegal, and where are they located?”
Council Chairman Mel Rapozo said he’d like to have an update on the status of compliance with the current homestay laws as well, but he’s planning to go a step further in making sure everyone follows the rules.
“I also intend to introduce an enforcement bill and we’ll provide the resources so that the enforcement can be done,” Rapozo said.
Members of the public sounded off, too.
Ken Taylor said he is also in favor of the bill, but he believes there should be an opportunity for existing homestay operators to be grandfathered in. He also said he thinks everyone within 500 feet of the property should be notified of an existing homestay or bed and breakfast.
“The other thing that seems to be missing is enforcement,” Taylor said. “I think enforcement on any ordinance is very important.”
Tina Sakamoto, who has addressed the council multiple times on the issue, said the bill is almost there.
“I think it’s a start but it’s in no way comprehensive,” Sakamoto said. “It’s vital to address the integrity of residential neighborhoods regarding homestay commercializations in neighborhoods for transient visitors and the impact it has on long-term rental housing on Kauai residents”
Restricting tourist lodging to the Visitor Designated Area is something Kauai resident Sam Lee said he’s adamant about, as well.
“I believe that it’s highly likely that the idea would receive substantial public support,” he said.
Kagawa said that is one of his concerns.
“We can’t have tourist operations all over the place. It’s not fair,” Kagawa said. “The VDA is where the tourists should be staying period. Planning department has to get a grip on what we have out there. How do we do our jobs here so that our kids don’t get priced out of paradise?”
