Support for Airbnb bill
Support for Airbnb bill
I am writing in support of Senate Bill 704, which would expedite the payment of state taxes by Airbnb and other rental platforms for vacation rentals.
My partner and I have owned two vacation rentals in Puna for the past three years and we deeply appreciate this work. This is a win-win situation. Tourists love the personal and intimate experience of staying in our homes and what makes having a vacation in Hawaii distinctive. Furthermore, this provides an income for us and for our community.
As it is currently written, House Bill 1471 would be difficult to enforce and potentially violates federal law. Lawmakers should move to pass simple, commonsense legislation such as SB 704 that would bring in as much as $100 million per year in much-needed revenue for Hawaii.
There are millions of dollars of taxes going uncollected. With the state facing a major budget shortfall, Hawaii and its citizens would benefit from a bill that brings immediate financial relief to the state.
Robert Golden
Pahoa
The men of ‘Valor’
“Valor with Honor” will be screened on Vimeo (video on demand) starting in May for Asian Pacific Heritage Month (https://vimeo.com/ondemand/valorwithhonor).
“Valor with Honor” is an 80-minute independent documentary film based on more than 35 oral histories on Japanese-American World War II veterans who served with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
“Valor with Honor” not only records the deeds and emotions of the veterans of the 442nd, but highlights the difficult struggle of the brave nisei on and off the battlefield.
“Valor” is available as a download or can be rented for online screenings on Vimeo. Visit www.valorwithhonor.com for details and review the historical timeline for easier viewing.
Burt Takeuchi
Torasan Films
San Jose, Calif.