In a unanimous decision, the Kaua’i County Council has approved a bill that seeks to alleviate the housing shortages on the island. Bill 2933, which is now awaiting a second reading, would permit the construction of guest houses on residential, agricultural, commercial, open, and university zoned land.
Guest houses, as defined in the bill, would be limited to a maximum of 800 square feet and could include an optional kitchen and bathroom. However, these units cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main dwelling, ensuring that they serve as additional space for expanding families rather than transient vacation rentals.
The motivation behind the bill stems from the hardships faced by local families residing on agricultural land. Unlike wealthy individuals who can easily build luxurious private homes on the island, these families have been unable to construct additional structures to accommodate their growing needs due to existing county restrictions.
The proposed legislation has gained the support of the County Planning Department, primarily because it offers a solution for properties facing septic system and cesspool issues. Traditional accessory dwelling units and residential units typically require both kitchen and bathroom facilities, placing limitations on their construction. In contrast, guest houses do not have these prerequisites, making them a potential alternative for previously denied properties.
To address concerns regarding potential overdevelopment and strain on existing infrastructure, the bill includes amendments. One amendment prohibits guest houses on parcels with existing additional dwelling units, giving property owners the choice of building either a rental unit or a guest house, but not both. Additionally, in tsunami evacuation zones west of the Hanalei River, the number of guest houses allowed is limited to one per lot to ensure safety during emergencies.
While there are still considerations to be made regarding access for fire crews and water availability in certain areas, the overall sentiment among council members is that this bill represents a significant step toward addressing housing shortages and maintaining Kaua’i’s unique character. By enabling local families to continue living on the island while upholding the general plan’s emphasis on agricultural land, the legislation aims to strike a balance that benefits both the community and the economy of Kaua’i.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Bill 2933 and Alleviating Housing Shortages on Kaua’i
Q: What is Bill 2933?
A: Bill 2933 is a proposed legislation unanimously approved by the Kaua’i County Council to address housing shortages on the island.
Q: What does Bill 2933 aim to do?
A: Bill 2933 seeks to permit the construction of guest houses on various types of land in Kaua’i, such as residential, agricultural, commercial, open, and university zoned land.
Q: How big can these guest houses be?
A: The guest houses allowed under the bill will be limited to a maximum of 800 square feet.
Q: Are there any restrictions on these guest houses?
A: Yes, the bill specifies that guest houses cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main dwelling. They are intended to serve as additional space for expanding families rather than transient vacation rentals.
Q: What is the motivation behind Bill 2933?
A: The bill is intended to address the hardships faced by local families residing on agricultural land, who have been unable to construct additional structures due to existing county restrictions.
Q: Why does the County Planning Department support the bill?
A: The County Planning Department supports the bill because it offers a solution for properties facing septic system and cesspool issues. Guest houses do not require kitchen and bathroom facilities like traditional accessory dwelling units, making them a potential alternative for denied properties.
Q: Are there any amendments included in the bill?
A: Yes, one amendment prohibits guest houses on parcels with existing additional dwelling units, giving property owners the choice of building either a rental unit or a guest house, but not both. In tsunami evacuation zones west of the Hanalei River, the number of guest houses allowed is limited to one per lot for safety during emergencies.
Q: What are some considerations still to be made regarding the bill?
A: Considerations include ensuring access for fire crews and water availability in certain areas.
Q: What is the overall sentiment among council members regarding the bill?
A: Council members believe the bill represents a significant step toward addressing housing shortages and maintaining Kaua’i’s unique character. It aims to benefit both the community and the economy of Kaua’i by enabling local families to continue living on the island while upholding the general plan’s emphasis on agricultural land.
Definitions:
– Guest houses: Additional structures limited to a maximum of 800 square feet, intended to provide additional space for expanding families rather than transient vacation rentals.
– Zoned land: Land that has been designated for specific uses, such as residential, agricultural, commercial, open, or university purposes.
– Accessory dwelling units: Traditional residential units or structures that can be built on existing properties but typically require both kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Suggested Related Links:
– Kaua’i County Government Official Website
– Kaua’i County Planning Department