Tourism Authority compounds visitor problem

Dear Editor,

At its Sept. 5 meeting, the Kailua Neighborhood Board overwhelmingly adopted a resolution asking the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to respect the zoning and quality of life of residential neighborhoods and stop promoting Kailua as a tourist destination and an alternative to Waikiki.

On the HTA website that includes “copyright 2012 Hawaii Tourism Authority,” it states that “If you are planning a family vacation or you’re traveling with a large group to Oahu, a Kailua vacation rental can be the perfect solution … the Kailua area offers a peaceful alternative to lively Waikiki.”

The board finds that this is directly contrary to the 1989 Honolulu City Council decision to phase out short-term rentals in residential areas in order to give protection and relief to impacted communities. It contributes to the city’s problem of enforcement against illegal short-term rentals.

The HTA action adds to problems created by short-term rentals of escalating housing prices and scarce rentals; and affects the safety, social, cultural and environmental character of residential neighborhoods.

Chuck Prentiss
Kailua Neighborhood Board