In light of a state investigation into alleged unauthorized use of 16 Ha‘ena homes as vacation rentals on state conservation lands, some residents yesterday asked the Kaua‘i County Council to upgrade an existing county law to improve regulation of the vacation rental business.

But the Council Planning Committee meeting at the historic County Building was punctuated by public comments that a generates heated response from councilman Ron Kouchi.

An audience member, who would not release her name to the media, said the state Department of Land and Natural Resources investigation could force property owners to sell homes they could not operate as vacation rentals and leave the homes unoccupied.

She also said using such homes for long-term rentals isn’t likely because the rent would be too high for most renters.

The properties will eventually become neglected and become an eyesore, she said, adding “it certainly can turn into a jungle.”

Kouchi, stifling anger, said her characterization of the problem facing the Ha‘ena property would not draw any sympathy from him. “If you look at me, you aren’t going to get any mercy from me,” he said.

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(Source: Lester Chang, Kauai Garden Island News)