The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Moloka‘i Planning Commission on Sept. 24, 2025.
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Sept. 24, 2025, 11 a.m.
Remote meeting
To: Moloka‘i Planning Commission
Zhantell Lindo, Chair
Shannon Kaahanui, 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 Lindo, Vice Chair Kaahanui 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 across Maui County.
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.
On Molokai, ADUs are permitted only on lots 7,500 square feet or larger, but the bill would apply to all lots on the island where it would be possible for a homeowner to build an ADU. In these areas, ADUs are limited to 600 square feet for lots between 7,500 and 9,999 square feet.
Permitting additional square footage would give homeowners the option 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 Molokai 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
