Thank you, Helen Petrovitch: Her commentary was a concise summary with recommendations for the future of home stays on Oahu (“It’s time for a compromise on short-term vacation rentals,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, April 11).

The dialogue by the City Council and the Legislature continues to reflect a bias toward a minority who have vehemently insisted on “no compromise” in all proceedings for the past 32 years. That approach has resulted in the estimated 8,000 illegal vacation rentals by homeowners who want to be recognized and represented as well.

The challenge remains the same. Is it possible for the state and the city to work together to recognize those without permits, acknowledge the contributions of merchants, the visitors and the general population? Not an easy task, but doable with a change in attitude.

Recognize home stays as a viable contribution to the visitor industry. Set it up like the restaurant licensing and evaluation system. Set standards to evaluate, rate and penalize as warranted. Like other service businesses, self-management and natural attrition will occur.

Let’s get those tax dollars to work for all of us in Hawaii.

Susan Phillips

Kailua

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