HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-15 Letter to Richard Creagan re HB 2 ���nv or••
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25 Aupum Strect,Suitc 2603 • Hilo,Hawetl 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
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February 15, 2017
Representative Richard Creagan
Agriculture Committee
Hawaii State Capitol
Honolulu, HI 96813
Dear Chair Creagan and members:
RE: HB 2
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on HB 2.
The problem of unaffordable housing calls for creative thinking, and therefore I
must thank Representative Evans for presenting the idea of"tiny homes" and this
committee for giving the idea a hearing.
Nevertheless, I find I cannot support this bill.
First, there is a potential conflict with building codes which may not allow mobile
"tiny homes" as a permanent residence without proper foundation.
Then there are issues regarding qualifying the total number of"tiny homes"
allowed on any licensed farm. Would such a determination be left to the farmer?
Typically, the intensity and scale of agricultural activity dictates how many on-site farm
dwellings will be permitted.
Farm dwellings and employee housing are already allowed on agricultural lands
by state law. Suggesting, by resolution or otherwise, that the County also consider "tiny
homes" may be worth looking into. But imposing "tiny homes" on Hawaii County and
Maui, "notwithstanding any county ordinance or regulation," as HB2 calls for, should not
be done.
espectfully submitted,
Harry Ni
Mayor
County of Hewer i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.