HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0677.044 2022-2024From: Arjuna Heim
Sent: Monday, September 16, 2024 1:51 PM
To: Council Testimony s
Subject: Testimony in Support Submission: Bill 123 September 17th, 2024 @ 9am-
RE: Bill 123 — RELATING TO OHANA DWELLING UNITS "r
Aloha Chair Kimball, Vice -Chair Inaba and other members of the Council,
Hawaii Appleseed supports Bill 123, Draft 4, which would abolish the "ohana dwelling" permit,
redefine ohana dwellings as "accessory dwelling units," make changes to where and how such units
are allowed to be built, and allow guest houses and ADUs to be built on the same Iots.These changes
are crucial steps toward creating a more just and equitable housing system in our state, especially for
working families and those struggling to afford housing in today's economic climate.
Bill 123 aims to eliminate the current duplicative approval process that adds unnecessary financial
and procedural burdens to those interested in building ADUs. Requiring an additional ADU permit
before applying for a building permit not only creates delays but also imposes extra costs on
homeowners —many of whom are already stretched thin by Hawaii's high cost of living. Streamlining
this process will help more families access affordable housing solutions without the bureaucratic red
tape that disproportionately affects those with fewer resources.
The current draft of Bill 123 would permit a maximum of three ADUs on each lot in single-family
residential, double -family residential, residential and agricultural, family agricultural, and agricultural
zoning districts —except for lots that allow more than one primary residence, where one ADU per
primary residence would be allowed. Expanding the number of ADUs allowed per lot helps address
our severe housing shortage and opens the door to more affordable rental options, especially in
areas where high housing costs have displaced many long-time residents.
By limiting each ADU to 1,250 square feet of living area (excluding garages, lanais, or carports), the
bill ensures that these units remain reasonably sized, helping to keep construction costs in check and
making them accessible to middle- and low-income households. This provision supports the
development of ADUs as a viable solution to Hawaii's affordability crisis, enabling families to provide
housing for relatives or rent to others in need, which in turn creates economic opportunity and stability
for those who would otherwise face housing insecurity.
At a time when economic inequality is widening and the cost of housing continues to soar, Bill 123
offers a pathway to greater economic justice by expanding affordable housing options and removing
unnecessary barriers for residents.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Arjuna Heim
Director of Housing Policy Comm *No.Hawai'i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice Ref' To:Ref. Dat_
733 Bishop Street, Ste. 1180
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
Cell: 808 897 3631