The Kaua’i County Council made a significant decision on Wednesday by voting 7-0 in favor of passing Bill 2933. This bill, introduced by Council Chair Mel Rapozo and Councilman Billy De Costa, aims to alleviate housing shortages by allowing homeowners to build guest houses on various zoned lands.
Under the provisions of the bill, each dwelling unit on residential, agricultural, commercial, open, and university zones would be permitted to have one guest house. The guest house would be limited to a maximum of 800 square feet and would not be allowed to be used for transient vacation rentals or other short-term stays.
While there were concerns raised during the council meeting, including concerns about conflicts of interest and potential issues with infrastructure, the council members ultimately supported the bill. Instead of relying on quotes, it can be observed that these concerns were addressed and discussed by members such as Felicia Cowden and Ross Kagawa, who eventually voted in favor of the measure.
The central focus of the debate revolved around the limited sewer capacities, fire evacuation and water supply problems, challenges obtaining insurance, and over-parking. However, Council Chair Rapozo reassured Cowden that properties facing these issues would not be eligible for building guest houses.
Despite the criticism that not everyone would be able to benefit from this bill due to constraints in water supply, Rapozo emphasized that those who can build should have the opportunity to do so. The Planning Director, Kaaina Hull, estimated that between 300 to 500 units could potentially be built under the bill, providing relief for many families.
In conclusion, the Kaua’i County Council’s decision to pass Bill 2933 signifies a step towards addressing the housing shortages on the island. With careful consideration of concerns raised during the meeting, the council members recognized the potential benefits this bill could bring to local families. This legislation encourages community living and presents an opportunity for families to support each other, ultimately contributing to a smart and connected way of life on Kaua’i.
FAQ:
1. What is the purpose of Bill 2933?
– Bill 2933 aims to alleviate housing shortages by allowing homeowners to build guest houses on various zoned lands.
2. What types of zones would be permitted to have a guest house under the bill?
– Each dwelling unit on residential, agricultural, commercial, open, and university zones would be permitted to have one guest house.
3. What are the limitations on the size of the guest house?
– The guest house would be limited to a maximum of 800 square feet.
4. Can the guest house be used for transient vacation rentals or short-term stays?
– No, the guest house would not be allowed to be used for transient vacation rentals or other short-term stays.
5. Were there any concerns raised during the council meeting?
– Yes, concerns were raised about conflicts of interest, potential infrastructure issues, limited sewer capacities, fire evacuation and water supply problems, challenges obtaining insurance, and over-parking.
6. How were these concerns addressed?
– Members of the council, such as Felicia Cowden and Ross Kagawa, addressed and discussed these concerns before voting in favor of the bill.
7. How many units could potentially be built under the bill?
– The Planning Director estimated that between 300 to 500 units could potentially be built under the bill.
Definitions:
– Bill 2933: The bill introduced by Council Chair Mel Rapozo and Councilman Billy De Costa that allows homeowners to build guest houses on various zoned lands.
– Guest house: A separate dwelling unit on a property that is typically used for guests or as additional living space.
Suggested related links:
Official website of Kaua’i County Council