Letter: Hawaii vacation rental law will affect entire island

Jerry Gibson, vice president at Turtle Bay Resort and president of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB), supports Bill 89, but was surprised that units in Kuilima Estates were not in Turtle Bay’s resort zoning.

“We don’t manage Kuilima, but certainly, having less short-term rentals will affect the resort’s activities, golf, food and beverage” sales, Gibson said.

Does Gibson realize the closure of 7,000 vacation rentals will impact all restaurants and attractions islandwide? He seems only concerned about Turtle Bay. He is not doing what is best for HVCB, whose mission is to “create sustainable, diversified, travel destination demand for the Hawaiian Islands.”

Closing vacation rentals does not do that. The City Council should not amend the bill because of Gibson’s appeal on behalf of Turtle Bay or HVCB. Turtle Bay does not deserve special treatment.

As president of HVCB, Gibson has a serious bias and conflict of interest. He should step down.

Deborah M. Hyde

Punaluu

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