Advocacy
Bill 147: Progress. Not a Done Deal.
First reading is October 21. Draft 2 reflects several concerns we raised, but owners should review the language and participate before the Council votes.
TIME-SENSITIVE: Bill 147 goes to Council October 21. Register for Zoom testimony or submit written testimony for advance delivery by noon October 20. Meeting details below.
After months of testimony, questions, and revisions, several concerns we raised are now reflected in Bill 147, Draft 2. That is worth recognizing.
The bill heads to the full Hawaiʻi County Council for first reading on October 21. It comes with an unfavorable committee recommendation following the 4–5 vote. It has not become law.
Here is where things stand:
- Hosted rentals: Draft 2 uses “Hosted TVR” rather than classifying all hosted rentals as B&Bs. Operators could still advertise as a bed and breakfast. This addresses a terminology concern we raised, although the wording alone does not settle individual mortgage or insurance requirements.
- RM zoning: Outside the specified resort and shoreline areas, the draft allows unhosted rentals in dwellings whose plan approval was issued before the ordinance’s effective date. Prior vacation-rental operation is not a condition of that provision. Other applicable requirements still matter.
- CN zoning: Hosted rentals are expressly listed as permitted. The geographic restrictions concern unhosted rentals.
- Midterm rentals: A use-permit pathway remains for qualifying properties with a history of exclusively offering rentals longer than 30 days and shorter than 180 days. This is not blanket permission for every property.
There are still provisions owners need to examine, including agricultural restrictions, multiple dwellings on one building site, bedroom limits, and enforcement.
I won’t be able to attend this reading, so I want to be clear: if you have concerns about how this bill affects your property, please participate.
The Council can still amend the bill. What is in Draft 2 today is not necessarily what will be adopted. If you testified before, don’t assume your concern has been resolved. Read the language, ask specific questions, and make sure any protection you are relying on is actually written into the bill.
October 21 meeting and testimony
The Council meeting begins Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Building A, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona. That is the meeting start time, not a guaranteed time for Bill 147.
To testify by Zoom, register by noon Tuesday, October 20, through councilremotetestimony@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8255.
Email written testimony identifying Bill 147, Draft 2, to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov by noon October 20 for timely delivery before the meeting. Later submissions will still become part of the permanent record.
The Hilo Council Chambers will be closed. Courtesy sites are listed in the agenda for Ocean View, Pāhoa, and Waimea.
Read Bill 147, Draft 2 (PDF) · Read the October 21 Council agenda (PDF)
We have made progress. Now we need to stay involved through the actual votes.
I’m not an attorney. This is my interpretation of the draft and meeting materials, with AI assistance to organize and review the information. If these changes could affect your property or rental operation, consult an attorney about your situation.
