HILO, Hawaii — Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth last week announced the signing of County Council Bill 123 co-drafted by Council Chair Heather Kimball, Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, Planning Director Zendo Kern and Deputy Director Jeff Darrow.

What You Need To Know

  • The bill aims to increase housing inventory across the county by allowing homeowners to build up to three accessory dwelling units limited to 1,250 square feet on their properties

  • One of the key amendments allows detached or attached ADUs to be built alongside single-family homes in residential, duplex, residential-agricultural district, agricultural and family agricultural districts

  • “This bill expands our housing inventory in a way that is both sustainable and community-centered,” said Roth

The bill aims to increase housing inventory across the county by allowing homeowners to build up to three accessory dwelling units limited to 1,250 square feet on their properties, thus addressing the housing shortage and enabling local families to stay in Hawaii.

“Hawaii County is leading the way with Bill 123. ADUs offer a flexible and affordable housing solution for our residents,” said Kimball in a county news release. “Building ADUs for parents, children or long-term renters can help families stay together here on the island and can help homeowners generate extra income needed to get by. By encouraging development of existing properties in urban areas close to school, work, and commercial areas, ADUs also promote more sustainable land use practices outside the urban core.”

Kierkiewicz stated, “Bill 123 is a significant step toward expanding housing opportunities on Hawaii Island. By allowing more ADUs in urban areas, we’re encouraging smart growth within our communities. This practical solution not only increases housing availability, but also empowers residents to actively contribute to addressing our island’s housing shortage.”

The bill’s new provisions replace earlier restrictions on what’s known as ʻohana dwelling units, providing homeowners with the flexibility to add ADUs.

Key amendments include allowing detached or attached ADUs to be built alongside single-family homes in residential, duplex, residential-agricultural district, agricultural and family agricultural districts; building a maximum of three ADUs on each property; ensuring compliance with infrastructure and safety standards that include requirements for sewage disposal and water supply; and restricting the use of ADUs for transient accommodations with limited exceptions.

“The ability to build additional dwellings on existing properties is essential in addressing our housing shortage, but it’s also about preserving our communities and ensuring that future generations – our keiki – can continue to live and thrive here in Hawaii,” said Mayor Roth. “This bill expands our housing inventory in a way that is both sustainable and community-centered.”

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.