Ohana zoning was originally proposed in 1982 by Mayor Eileen Anderson with a purpose of assisting families to obtain affordable housing and to encourage the extended family. An ohana unit is a second living unit added to a residential dwelling. When the program initially began in 1982-1983 ohana dwelling units accounted for almost 25% of residential construction. After an assessment of the program in 1985, it was found that there were some areas which had inadequate road and sewer capacity for the increased density and therefore many ohana-eligible areas were closed.
As a result of the assessment in 1985 an ordinance in 1988 (88-48 4/8/1998) addressed these concerns and created guidelines for the development of ohana units which were referred to as accessory units. Over the years there have been various changes as to the size and means by which ohana units could be built.
There was a period between 1990 to 1994 in which no ohana permits were issued due to an abuse of the ordinance. Owners were abusing the process by building a second unit, creating a CPR, and then selling off the ohana unit. Changes were made to the program with restrictions to prevent abuses and then in 1994 ohana dwelling permits were again issued.
An ordinance in 2006 increased restrictions for building ohana units which included some of the following:
- Ohana units must be attached to the main dwelling.
- The areas must have adequate road, water and sewer infrastructure.
- There must be adequate parking (ie. 2 parking stalls)
- The ohana unit must be rented to people related by blood, marriage or adoption.
- Additional construction demands to retrofit existing dwelling.
For more information on ohana units or any real estate matters contact us.
