The latest concern expressed by B&B opponents is that B&B licensing will waste taxpayer dollars because permitting fees won't pay for a new enforcement division for the Department of Planning and Permitting.

It may be true that fees alone won't do it. It would require hundreds of homeowners to suddenly decide to open their homes to B&B visitors, which isn't going to happen.

But keep in mind that in addition to paying permitting fees, newly licensed B&Bs will generate new tax revenues through general excise taxes collected on room rentals as well as state taxes on income from their operations. And, from what I've read, B&Bs have only generated about five complaints a year historically. So the DPP enforcement "division" will not need to be very large.

B&Bs might actually pay their own way where taxes are concerned.

On the other hand, one way I'm sure tax dollars are being wasted is through the constant and frivolous demands placed on the DPP by opponents of Bill 7 who see unlicensed B&B operators behind every hedge. Once unlicensed B&Bs are brought into conformance with rules and regulations, this problem, too, will disappear.

E.M. LITTS | Honolulu

B&BS WILL DEVALUE NEARBY PROPERTIES

If Bill 7, which is the current bed-and-breakfast bill, is enacted, it will trigger the disclosure law. This law applies to all residential property and is a requirement for the sale of residential property. It states that any material fact that could affect the value of that property must be disclosed. Since a commercial B&B operation would be unique to a residential neighborhood, this would be a disclosure. This would in all probability also be a required disclosure to long-term renters who would anticipate non-commercial neighbors.

If you were a buyer or a renter, would you be willing to purchase or rent a home in a residential neighborhood located next to a B&B or would you prefer a similar home a few blocks away? Neighboring homes next to a B&B will suffer a devaluation. Most homes have five pin sharing neighbors so that means the City Council is about to allow one commercial operation to damage a minimum of five neighbors.

You can imagine how happy the neighbors will be to have a B&B next door. Damaging five homeowners so that one can commercialize does not sit well with most citizens.

RICH CARVILL | Kailua

VISITORS PREFERRED TO BAD NEIGHBORS

To the "naysayers" of Bill 7 — it is after 11 on a work night as I write this letter and loud music invades my privacy. We live in an upscale area with a townhouse complex behind our home.

Since 1978 we have had to endure late-night music, loud parties, family disputes, dogs barking — all from long-term rental units substantially distanced from our home. We would much rather have a B&B in our immediate vicinity regulated by its owner.

Visitors generally go to bed early, rise early and spend their "vacation dollars" in our locally owned shops and restaurants. They are courteous and happy to learn about our community. Their rental cars are newer than ours! If the B&B visitors do become a problem, the problem is short-lived and not for the duration of long leases with nonresident investors, or inattentive property managers.

Please say yes to Bill 7 — our aloha spirit has always been appreciated by our visitors who complement our lifestyle. You might recognize them — they are the ones sporting sunburned, smiling faces and new Buzz's T-shirts. P.S.: They are also potential homeowners in our community!

KATHLEEN CURTIS | Käneohe

LET'S NOT REPEAT SAME MISTAKE

B&B legislation passed in 1989 was a mistake. It offered a compromise that allowed existing illegal vacation rental businesses to continue to operate in residentially zoned neighborhoods while at the same time prohibiting any new ones.

Rather than control short-term rentals, the 1989 B&B bill led to illegal "copycat" businesses that now pit neighbor against neighbor and erode the social fabric of our residential communities. Our zoning laws were created to support and protect our neighborhoods, not undermine them from within.

If passed, Bill 7 will add 4,000 mini-hotel rooms to our residential communities. A well-known adage asserts, "Those who do not learn from past mistakes are destined to repeat them."

Does anyone believe that those who are blatantly defying the law today will cease such activity if not granted one of the coveted permits?

Bill 7, designed for enforcement, needs to be addressed by the City Council before it introduces any new B&B legislation.

FRANCINE HAGSTROM | Kailua

NOTHING WRONG WITH SPREADING ALOHA

Volunteering on the Obama campaign was one of my favorite experiences, ever. Barack Obama's historic campaign and message of hope captivated a nation and inspired people everywhere, and particularly in Hawaii. No other state delivered a greater margin of victory.

I certainly respect others' views that it's too early to name one of our parks after Obama. But across the country, there are already buildings, schools, streets and parks that bear his name. Perhaps it is time for Ho-nolulu to honor our nation's first Hawaii-born president. Obama has made us proud, and he will prove us right.

In 2008, I also volunteered on Mayor Mufi Hannemann's re-election campaign, and witnessed first-hand the mayor's genuine admiration for Obama. Bestowing this honor on the president is simply a way for Hannemann and the City Council to show their respect.

With all the recent bad news — job losses, fewer classroom days, furloughs and foreclosures — naming one of our beloved parks after a beloved president is a positive and welcome diversion. As the holidays and the new year approach, there is certainly nothing wrong with spreading a little aloha and, with Obama, a little hope.

A.J. HALAGAO | Honolulu

IF YOU ARE BLESSED, IT'S TIME TO GIVE BACK

If you are wealthy financially, donate to a good cause. If you are blessed to be able to see and to walk, teach someone to read, help at the food bank, or call Catholic Charities to find a good place for you to give back.

Leave something good behind you. Now is the time to act!

R. SHIMA | Honolulu