double duplexes in HPP

[kalakoa]

I'm reminded of another inane code requirement in Santa Cruz: you are allowed a pantry "of any size" off the kitchen ... provided that it has no HVAC. Builders would commonly run ducts under these, then cut the vents in after final inspection, to create a lovely dining room. Of course "everyone knows" this.

I read a property can have a legal farm unit.

HCC 19-2 defines a "farm dwelling" as "a single-family dwelling located on and used in direct connection with a farm, or where the agricultural activity provides income to the occupant(s) of the dwelling", including "employee housing for that farm". It is explicitly not an "ohana dwelling" or "guest house". Multiple "farm dwellings" are permissible subject to "a farm dwelling agreement for each additional farm dwelling" and "an agricultural development and use program, farm plan or other evidence of the applicant’s continual agricultural productivity or farming operation".

Note that 25-5-77(b) states "one single-family dwelling or one farm dwelling shall be permitted on any building site". Ag-zoned land subdivided before 1976 allows a primary dwelling "by right", so it's really not clear how this section is applied.

The lack of "affordable housing" should come as no surprise to anyone who understands the requirements imposed by the almighty Code. I'm guessing your "elected representatives" aren't familiar with all these regulations.

[jffields1969]

These developments appear to be associated with a complex web of LLCs such as:  Gainz Master Plan, Max Gainz Inc., MGZ Capiital, MGZ Financial, etc. - all associated with Max Behrens. Who is this guy? He seems to be some sort of real estate motivational speaker / get rich quick guru. Two of the guest speakers he claims to have lined up include the local council member Ashley Kierkiewicz and the county planning director Jeff Darrow. Is this for real?

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

It would make more sense for our county council member or someone from the county building bureaucracy to field questions
…
the guest speakers he claims to have lined up include the local council member Ashley Kierkiewicz and the county planning director Jeff Darrow. Is this for real?

The meeting was held yesterday at the HPP Community Center. The parking lot was full, as well as the driveway out to Maku’u. Lots of HPP history, and questions. Lots of pending legislation that will affect zoning and permits.

It appears that 2 homes on a 1 acre lot is allowed, a residence and a first farm dwelling. As part of the permit the builder agrees the farm dwelling will be used in conjunction with a farm, but there is no request for farm related information. And no farm related inspections after the fact as there is only one inspector in East Hawaii to look into complaints for zoning infractions.

The 4 unit duplexes? They are legally permitted and finaled as a residence and first farm dwelling, the second “wet bar” in each home is then converted into a kitchen. If a complaint is filed, the inspector sends a notice to the owner, they schedule an inspection date, the owner removes the stove on that date, and they magically become 2 legal units on one acre again. As Jeff Darrow described it, “cat and mouse.”

A woman who may have been connected to the developer videoed the meeting even though she was told in no uncertain terms that she was not to record the proceedings.

[Obie]

None of these permitted duplexes have any kind of permitted farming going on.

Does it matter ? Let them build 4 duplexes on each lot. If people want to live like that let them.

All of Puna is a big crap hole and affordable housing is needed.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

All of Puna is a big crap hole 

That was brought up.  With all of the duplexes, will the septic systems and cesspools be able to handle the wastewater?  A wastewater plant would cost $4 billion so not happening.  How will wells (and whales were mentioned) fare with the expanded population?  

No study has been conducted for population growth on water treatment and runoff (other than an estimate for a wastewater plant, which as mentioned is not happening).

[HiloJulie]

"A woman who may have been connected to the developer videoed the meeting even though she was told in no uncertain terms that she was not to record the proceedings."

I am wondering who issued that directive in the first place and furthermore, wouldn't any meeting involving an Elected Representative and a Public Works Director be considered open to the public and as such, subject to all Open Meeting Acts and Sunshine Laws?

Also, was this a sanctioned meeting of the HPPOA and its Board, or just a concerned citizen(s) pow wow?

All of Puna is a big crap hole

May I interest you in this nice $750,000 brand new home on 1 acre of cleared land right next to the largest rooster farm in Puna?

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

am wondering who issued that directive… was this a sanctioned meeting of the HPPOA

I don’t know who asked her to not film, the meeting had started and I was trying to hear the speakers.
Sanctioned?  I guess they had to apply for and rent the Community Center?

Some people go go go until told to stop, some keep going even after they’re told to stop.

[Obie]

" With all of the duplexes, will the septic systems and cesspools be able to handle the wastewater? A wastewater plant would cost $4 billion so not happening. "

No they won't and Hawaii County has until 2050 to build a sewage plant and the entire system.
It's not going to get any cheaper.

[HiloJulie]

"Some people go go go until told to stop, some keep going even when told to stop."

That is a core tenet of being a true dyed in the wool Punatic.

It sounds like on the surface the meeting was mostly people talking with very few listening, another Punatic core tenet, but was any of the "Lots of pending legislation that will affect zoning and permits" that was discussed change any of the existing laws that allow for these additional "farm units" that can be simply converted into a separate dwelling and easily reverted back to a farm unit upon 30 plus days written notice of inspection?

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

but was any of the "Lots of pending legislation that will affect zoning and permits" that was discussed change any of the existing laws

There will be a change in the definition of a kitchen.  Easier to catch? Probably depends on the new definition.  There is a Hawaii County General Plan 2045 plan that would change HPP ag to rural and light urban.  That isn’t imminent. 

Additional inspectors would probably immediately address the double duplex situation without any change in laws.  A few penalties and fines on the units would discourage people from buying them.  And then developers from building them.