“Visitors will stop coming to Oahu” is the alarming headline of Californian Michael Nickas’ letter (Star-Advertiser, Aug. 4). One wonders if this is part of the well-orchestrated attack on the City Council’s recently passed Bill 89. The bill, which was long overdue, taxes and places restrictions on the thousands of unlicensed VRBO/Airbnb properties running wild on Oahu.

Nickas boasts of the tax revenue coming from the VRBO visitors. But the law was enacted to make sure these illegal units begin paying their fair share. And given our housing crisis, why not dedicate these new tax monies to building affordable public housing?

Nickas also raises the dark spectre of fewer visitors. Isn’t this to be welcomed? Given the tidal wave of 10 million tourists annually overwhelming our infrastructure, it makes sense to serve the tourism industry less and locals more.

Finally, Nickas asserts that Bill 89 will “force liquidation of numerous properties.” Why? Nickas offers no proof. What will most likely happen is that some owners will open their units to long-term renters — local people. This can only support the pressing need to make housing more available to our people who need it.

Noel Kent

Manoa

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