Pupukea Council approves major permit for new dwelling with solar system and jacuzzi

The Honolulu City Council convened on May 30, 2025, to discuss several significant zoning matters, including the approval of special management area major permits for various residential projects. The most notable resolution involved granting a permit to Donna and Jude Baker for the construction of a new two-story detached dwelling on a shoreline lot in Pupukea, Paumalu.

The proposed development includes an elevated jacuzzi, a rooftop photovoltaic solar system, and a circular driveway with six parking spaces. The project site, spanning approximately 31,385 square feet, is located at 59205 Kainui Road and is currently home to a mobile dwelling that will be relocated. The council addressed concerns raised by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources regarding an existing concrete wall that encroaches into the shoreline setback area, which could be affected by coastal erosion. As a condition of approval, the applicants must remove any part of the wall that may eventually fall into the state land use conservation district.

The council also discussed the implications of sea level rise on the project. According to the University of Hawaii's sea level rise viewer, a significant portion of the site could be subject to erosion by 2100. The Department of Planning and Permitting recommended relocating the primary dwelling further inland to mitigate these risks. The applicants argued that their chosen site is at a higher elevation, which they believe will reduce flooding risks.

In addition to the Baker project, the council reviewed another resolution for Beachside LLC, which seeks to make alterations to an existing dwelling in Kailua, including the addition of a garage and landscaping improvements. This project is also outside the 60-foot shoreline setback and has been deemed compliant with local regulations.

The council's discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing development with environmental concerns, particularly in coastal areas vulnerable to climate change. The resolutions were amended and subsequently approved for adoption, reflecting the council's commitment to responsible land use while accommodating property owners' rights.