Stefan Buchta gives a presentation to the council.

(BIVN) – A comprehensive look at the effects of short-term vacation rentals on the Big Island was shared with the Hawai‘i County Council on Tuesday.

Stefan Buchta, of the Leleiwi Community Association, gave a 90-minute power point presentation during the March 13 Finance Committee meeting in Hilo. His talk illustrated the impacts of the growing industry – driven by a powerful business model and facilitated by online companies like Airbnb – on the surrounding community, real property tax revenue, and the real estate market.