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I think that's the right word. On the mainland, I've heard it called a "mother-in-law apartment". A small separate residential building ala studio apartment on the same parcel as a larger primary residence.
Question: What do I need to know about ohanas in Hawaii? It's possible my 74 year-old mom might come with my wife and I when we move to Hawaii. We've invited her, primarily to look after her as she ages. She hasn't replied to the invite, and we're about two years away from any move, anyway. Just kind of exploring options.
Are there zoning/permitting obstacles, or is it pretty straightforward? What is the minimum size lot/setback/separation? Is it required or prohibited to have a bathroom and a kitchen? Minimum square foot requirements?
Any hints or personal experience would be mahalo'ed abundantly. ;-)
Aloha.
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Edited by - mgeary on 12/09/2007 12:22:42
Aloha! ;-)
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There are obstacles, not simple and straightforward. You should start with a seach here on Punaweb.... should be considerable talk and links to the county code.
Not allowed on AG zoned lots. Only on Residential lots larger than 10k sf.
The difference between an Ohana and a Guest house is a kitchen.
Assume the best and ask questions.
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If the studio ohana is attached there should be no problem, ohanas are fairly common...beware of the Guest house...as this is not readily allowed on most lots. On this island a 2nd kitchen sink seems to be the flag for the 'Guest house', other islands it is kitchen counters & electrical, or stoves...really depends on the county & inspector. There doesn't seem to be much of a hassle if the structure is separate but under one roof (there are some 'kit' builders house plans with 3 separate, but under one roof "pods" w/ one living quarter, and either 2 separate master suites, or a master suite & a 2 bedroom "pod" 
Our house had a permitted 2 room studio w/bath added on the other side of the carport in 2000, so that is also an option if she wants to join you later....
There were some postings a couple of months ago that the county is more agreeable to placing the ohana studio out from the main roof. Cat may know more on this...
Edited by - carey on 12/09/2007 16:59:43
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Very helpful to get me started. Thank you, Rob, 4me, and Carey.
I haven't waded through the code, yet, but I will. I really should know what's involved, legally or procedurally, before I plan such a thing. Sharing your first-hand experience, some of you, is helpful, too.
Punaweb rocks. ;-)
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Edited by - mgeary on 12/09/2007 18:07:04
Aloha! ;-)
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quote:
...(there are some 'kit' builders house plans with 3 separate, but under one roof "pods" w/ one living quarter, and either 2 separate master
Carey, do you know the builder and kit name? I have not seen this one before and I thought I had all of the kit info.
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quote:
...because you bought land...Hope that helps a little.
Thank you very much for your response, Kathy. We haven't yet bought land, though, that's the project for this summer's vacation to the BI. I'm getting ideas, like the Ag zoning vs. ohana issue, to help me make a purchase. I really wanted an Ag lot, and may yet do that. It might be possible to buy mom a small house close by in Kea'au or even Hilo while she's still in good physical health.
Dunno, still planning, thinking, dreaming. I dream about Hawaii, did I tell you? Thanks for your insight.
Mahalo, mark.
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Edited by - mgeary on 12/10/2007 07:00:40
Aloha! ;-)
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We can't build one on our lot due to the CC&R's in HSRE. No chickens either...if we buy land or house on-island in the future we may wanna be in a place we can have RLMs and chickies.
Carrie
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quote:
quote:
...(there are some 'kit' builders house plans with 3 separate, but under one roof "pods" w/ one living quarter, and either 2 separate master
Carey, do you know the builder and kit name? I have not seen this one before and I thought I had all of the kit info.
Argus has one that is 2 bedrooms/2bath on one side, garage in between, 1 bedroom on other side. Essentially mother in law or parents who want bedroom away from teenagers.
Catherine Dumond
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HPM has a similar one called "Kamole" and it's 1,224 sq. ft.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
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