Tourism is more than just hotels. Restaurants, tour operators, retail stores and vacation rental service providers are all part of it. They all have employees and owners that matter just as much as hotel workers. City Council Bill 89 threatens to eliminate 1 in 5 of the island’s visitors, delivering a gut punch to the local economy.

Bill 89 enables special interests that wish to eliminate their competition, hurting local Hawaii residents. Let’s remember that this is not a zero-sum game. Vacation rentals attract different travelers, especially families, many who may not be able to afford to visit Hawaii without them.

Vacation rentals support small businesses and provide rental income to local families who struggle with the high cost of living.

The City Council should not be picking winners and losers but rather focus on leveling the playing field.

The Council should enact sensible regulation that includes automatic taxation through booking platforms and reasonable limits on vacation rentals, not bans.

Assaf Karmon

Manoa

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