The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Maui Planning Commission on Sept. 23, 2025.
_____________
Sept. 23, 2025, 9 a.m.
Planning Department conference room
To: Maui Planning Commission
Kim Thayer, Chair
Ashley Lindsey, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Jonathan Helton, Policy Analyst
RE: Item A(1) — A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE MAXIMUM GROSS COVERED FLOOR AREA REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESSORY DWELLINGS
Aloha Chair Thayer, Vice Chair Lindsey and other members of the Commission,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports item A(1), which would increase the maximum allowable living area for accessory dwelling units.
In particular, the draft bill would change the size limits for ADUs to be 720 square feet for all lots smaller than one-half acre. It would also amend the maximum floor area of decks, patios and lanais attached to the ADUs.
Currently, ADUs are limited to 500 square feet for lots smaller than 7,500 square feet and to 600 square feet for lots between 7,500 and 9,999 square feet.
The additional square footage would enable homeowners to add an extra bedroom to existing or planned ADUs, which could provide more space for growing families or add housing for renters.
In short, this bill would give Maui residents another tool to help address the county’s ongoing housing crisis.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Jonathan Helton
Policy Analyst
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
