A Plan to House Maui, Part I 🏘️

Aug 25

Hundreds are dead or missing.

Thousands have lost their homes.

Now, Maui County must provide affordable housing for those affected by the fires.

Otherwise, this disaster will lead to a flood of locals and Native Hawaiians leaving Maui.

That would add insult to injury for families already reeling from the loss of loved ones and their homes.

In the coming weeks, we’ll focus on how best to meet the housing needs of the people of Maui.

Here is one reform the Maui County Council can pursue immediately:

Maui restricts ADUs.

That’s one reason why the county had a shortage of affordable housing before the fires.

Only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted on lots less than 7,500 square feet. And that ADU is limited to 500 square feet.

Maui should revise its rules for the next 10 years and

permit up to 3 ADUs by right on non-industrial lots of any size
make off-street parking optional
direct county wastewater officials to estimate unused sewer capacity and waive the written permission requirement until capacity is reached
allow ADUs to apply for and receive building permits under the modified process for emergency reconstruction
automatically issue temporary certificates of occupancy that expire 1/1/2034 for newly constructed ADUs
to the extent possible, waive impact fees and connection charges for newly constructed ADUs.

This will allow the rapid construction of ADUs throughout the county to house displaced families.

It’s an approach to affordable housing that doesn’t rely on million dollar subsidies or finding large parcels of land.

The people of Maui County are already stepping up to house their neighbors.

Let’s help them!

🏘️

A Plan to House Maui, Part II 🏘️