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| Muriel Hughes and her husband operate a five-bedroom vacation rental in Volcano, which, she says, provides affordable accommodations for people who want to take children to the living laboratory of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. She said she is concerned about proposed fees and rules. Photo from Big Island Video News |
THE SHORT TERM VACATION RENTALS PUBLIC HEARING on Friday drew area residents to Hilo. Another hearing will be held on April 2 at 6 p.m. in Hilo, at County Council chambers.
Kīlauea Lodge founders Lorna Larson Jeyte and Albert Jeyte talked about the importance of vacation rentals. She referred to a research paper commissioned by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority last year on the economic impact of vacation rentals. She quoted, "It becomes clear just how important the vacation rental industry is for residents and local businesses, particularly outside of traditional resort districts. Money spent in the vacation rental industry is money going straight into the pockets of local residents and small business owners who rely on the extra revenue brought in by visitors year after year.
Kīlauea Lodge founders Lorna Larson Jeyte and Albert Jeyte talked about the importance of vacation rentals. She referred to a research paper commissioned by the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority last year on the economic impact of vacation rentals. She quoted, "It becomes clear just how important the vacation rental industry is for residents and local businesses, particularly outside of traditional resort districts. Money spent in the vacation rental industry is money going straight into the pockets of local residents and small business owners who rely on the extra revenue brought in by visitors year after year.
"Public policy should reflect the demand for a wide variety of accommodations in the dynamic and evolving tourism economy. Imposing harsh restrictions or completely eliminating vacation
rentals, particularly outside of traditional resort areas, would cause serious economic harm. Looking to limit any one type of accommodations presents a wide variety of consequences: Lost income for residences, less activity for small businesses, decreased revenue to local government, and fewer options for families who otherwise may not be able to visit our beautiful shores. |
| Lorna Jeyte, who founded Kīlauea Lodge with her husband Albert. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Lorna Jeyte pointed out that Hawaiʻi visitor arrivals dropped in 2018. "If Hawaiʻi deletes many vacation rentals as alternative accommodation choices, travelers might seek their vacation rentals in Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, Southern California -- all communities with a plethora of options. Please,
planning department, don't make STVR compliance expensive and time consuming and onerous, as many homeowners on the east side of the island, the site most affected by recent natural disasters, flooding, and lava, might leave the industry. Regulate fairly and reasonably and please, then, enforce the rules."
Albert Jeyte testified and asked, "What kind of democracy are we in?" He called all the proposed rules onerous and unnecessary. He said the rules should have been involved in the discussions before the County Council before it passed the new ordinance regulating vacation rentals. He said he hears that the state wants to eliminate short term vacation rentals. He claimed the director of the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority had a career in the hotel industry and opposes vacation rentals.
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| Albert Jeyte said the hotel industry and head of Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority are against vacation rentals. Photo from Big Island Video News |
She said her five-bedroom home rents for $350 a night. Most hotels, for one couple, charge $200, she said. "So where can a teacher who wants to give her children the experience to be out in a living laboratory go for that kind of money?"
Lucrecia Wooster, who with her husband owns several small vacation rentals that provide their primary income, said the rules could create an "overwhelming cost to small business owners. "Our livelihoods are at stake and our small towns like Volcano are at stake."
See more at Big Island Video News, in yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs, and in tomorrow's briefs.
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Ocean View residents and various community groups have long called for more police officers in Kaʻū to service the locations that are very far from one another, from Volcano to past Ocean View. The mayor's budget message states that police positions are being added "to help improve safety for our community and our officers." The police department budget is proposed to increase by $5.8 million.
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THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE NEXT COUNTY BUDGET proposes a 10.7 percent increase over the current budget. The mayor calls his proposal "a balanced budget," fueled by $573.5 million in revenues and appropriations going into the county's General Fund and 13 special funds.
The process includes review by the County Council and negotiations with the county administration, along with public input.
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| Mayor Harry Kim Photo by William Neal |
The 2019-2020 budget proposal includes $26.1 million in additional salaries, wages, and employee benefits expenses within Hawaiʻi County government. "Fringe benefit increases were a result of higher retirement contributions, health benefits and post-employment benefits, for both our current employees and our retirees," says the mayor's budget message. " Increased salaries and wages are primarily a result of collective bargaining, but also include the addition of several necessary positions."
The most significant increase in positions is for the police department. Says the mayor, "This proposed budget represents our departments' best efforts to meet the needs of our residents in a timely and responsible fashion, while striving to maintain the level of services our residents deserve. We are committed to continuing our investment in infrastructure, transportation, public safety, and creating safer communities. These investments are critical to the future of our Hawai‘i
COUNTY REVENUE: Real property tax revenue is expected to increase by $15.7 million or 5 percent, "primarily due to new construction and an increase in taxable values." Fuel tax revenue is expected go up by $6.1 million, an increase of 35 percent. The portion of the 4.25 percent General Excise Tax that goes directly to the county is .25 percent and is expected to generate $25 million. The new short term vacation rental registration fees and fines are expected to reach about $846,000 for the coming fiscal year. Charges for county services are expected to increase by $2.8 million due to increases in sewer charges and tipping fees. Intergovernmental revenue will increase by $3.1 million. "All of these increases are essential to providing services to our community," according to the mayor's message.
Revenue from interest and investment earnings is expected to increase by $1 million. Increases in grant revenues are estimated at about $3.1 million.
Revenue from interest and investment earnings is expected to increase by $1 million. Increases in grant revenues are estimated at about $3.1 million.
COUNTY WORKER PAY, BENEFITS: The largest increases in expenditures in the proposed budget relate to salaries, wages, and fringe benefits. "Our contribution to the Employees' Retirement System is expected to increase by $12.3 million, (25.8 percent), due to the increase in rates passed by the Legislature in 2017 and the increase in salaries and wages. This is the third of four scheduled employer retirement contribution increases through fiscal year 2021. The ERS rates were increased by 16 percent this year for all categories of employees. By 2021, the retirement contribution rates will have increased 64 percent for police and fire employees and by 41 percent for our general employees over the four year period. Fringe benefits also increased due to the $5 million increase in health insurance premiums."
The budget proposal says that contributions to the Employer Union Trust Fund will increase by $5 million – 8.5 percent – due primarily to the increase in premiums and the increase in other post-employment benefits required by state law.
The budget proposal says that contributions to the Employer Union Trust Fund will increase by $5 million – 8.5 percent – due primarily to the increase in premiums and the increase in other post-employment benefits required by state law.
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| Hawaiʻi Island public transport will receive more funding, if Mayor Harry Kim's proposed budget goes through as presented. Photo from heleonbus.org |
WASTEWATER: The mayor's budget points to many sewage treatment projects that will be coming online in the near future. "Their operations are growing to be better able to track the necessary repairs and maintenance of our current facilities and prepare for the expansion of their operations as new projects come on line. ....Funding for sewer was increased by about $2.4 million, or 22.04 percent, due to the increase in personnel for the new asset management system being developed by the EPA and for the operation of the new R-I facility coming online. In addition, engineering positions and funding were added to help catch up on repairs and maintenance at current facilities."
The budget description says that "Debt service increased $3.4 million, or 7 percent, due to State Revolving Fund loans for upcoming sewer and solid waste projects, as well as the increase for new bonds to be issued for projects already in progress."
He also pointed to county Parks and Recreation. The budget includes "critical new positions and related equipment to help better maintain the parks in our communities."
HOMELESSNESS: Says the mayor, "We have not included additional funding to address the homeless problem on our island. However, funding has been received from the Governor's office to create an additional shelter to service this portion of our population."
HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE programs will receive $750,000 through grants.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY increases of approximately $500,000 were included for network improvements and new servers.
SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL ENFORCEMENT planning expenses are budgeted at approximately $846,000.
THE GENERAL EXCISE TAX FUND includes a transfer of $10 million to the Capital Projects Fund for transit and road projects to improve the transportation system on Hawaiʻi Island.
THE PUBLIC SAFETY DISASTER AND EMERGENCY FUND increases by $1.25 million "to be prepared for future disaster," says the mayor's budget proposal.
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FREE VISION SCREENING FOR ALL AGES happens Monday, March 4,
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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Baseball:
Mon., March 4, 3 p.m. , host Konawaena
Wed., March 6, 3 p.m. , @Kamehameha
Sat., March 9, 1 p.m. , host Kohala
Sat., March 16, 1 p.m. , host Keaʻau
Thu., March 21, 3 p.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 1 p.m. , host Honokaʻa
Softball:
Tue., March 5, host Konawaena
Thu., March 7, @Kamehameha
Sat., March 9, 11 a.m. , host Kohala
Mon., March 11, host Kamehameha
Wed., March 13, 5:30 p.m. , host Pāhoa
Sat., March 16, 11 a.m. , host Keaʻau
Wed., March 20, @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 11 a.m. , host Honokaʻa
Boys Volleyball:
Fri., March 8, 6 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Tue., March 12, 6 p.m. , @Makualani, Varsity
Fri., March 15, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Tue., March 19, 6 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Track:
Sat., March 9, 2 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Sat., March 16, 2 p.m. , @Konawaena
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
For more, contact Recreation Technician Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. Kahuku Park is located at 92-8607 Paradise Circle Mauka, Ocean View. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours.
MONDAY, MARCH 4
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, March 4. Register in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629
Free Vision Screening for All Ages, Monday, March 4, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. All ages receive screening for near and far vision. Keiki are screened for color deficiencies, adults for eye diseases. Keiki receive free sunglasses, adults free reading glasses. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi, projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-282-2265.
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, March 4 and 18, 1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
TUESDAY, MARCH 5
Free Vision Screening for All Ages, Tuesday, March 5, 9-11a.m. , Pāhala Community Center
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6
Ash Wednesday Service, Wednesday, March 6, 3p.m. , St. Jude's Episcopal Church. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Arts and Crafts Activity: Tissue Paper Butterfly, Wednesday, March 6, 3:30-5p.m. , multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 through March 5. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Lyons, Wednesday, March 6 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m. , Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565
Open Mic Night, Wednesday, March 6, 6-10p.m. , Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Women's Support Group, Thursday, March 7 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m. , PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
All Ages Game Nite, Thursday, March 7, 5:30-7:30p.m. , Ka‘ū District Gym. Register through March 5. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, March 7, 6-7p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
Mardi Gras Fundraising Dinner, Friday, March 8, doors open at 5:30p.m. , dinner served 6-8p.m. , St. Jude's Episcopal Church. $8/single meal, $15/couple, $20/family. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
Community Dance, Friday, March 8, 7-10p.m. , Cooper Center Volcano Village
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, March 9, 8-11a.m. , Ocean View Community Center
The Business of Art, Saturday, March 9, 9a.m.-4p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Stained Glass Basics 2, Saturday, March 9, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. For those with prior copper foil stained glass experience. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, March 9, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii
Hula Kahiko - Nā Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Lyons with Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani, Saturday, March 9, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe - Hālauolakalani, Saturday, March 9, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9-2 pm , just above Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces on the church lawn are $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors are responsible for bringing all supplies, including electricity. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Submit application with fee by Sunday, March 10; call Debbie or Walter, 928-8039, for application.
Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through Friday, March 15. Full-time 11.5-month commitment from
Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.
Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208 , Pāhala , HI 96777
Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience. Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.
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