A bill that would make it easier for the city to spot illegal vacation rentals drew a large crowd at a public hearing on Wednesday.
Many came to voice their opposition to the bill, including operators of legitimate bed and breakfasts.
They say the bill, which would require an address and permit number in rental advertisements, would be abused by criminals.
"Because people will call me and they’ll say ‘What’s the address of your unit?’ I’ll say ‘I’m sorry I don’t give that out’ because they get hit. People know which ones are the vacation rentals, they get hit," said one person who spoke out against the bill.
"This is about the future of Hawaii. Do we keep our neighborhoods or do we just sell out? I say yes, please vote for some enforcement," said another person.
If the bill passes, operators caught advertising without the required information could be fined up to $1,000 a day.
The Planning and Permitting Department will now make its recommendation to the City Council.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
