Committee approves SMA permit and shoreline‑setback variance for Hawaii Kai lot after debate over shoreline definitions

The Committee on Zoning on Jan. 16 amended and reported out Resolution 24‑256 CD1, which grants a Special Management Area (SMA) major permit and a shoreline setback variance for a proposed single‑family dwelling at a shoreline lot in Hawaii Kai (listed on the agenda as 6973 Kolenia Noole Highway, tax map key 39002031).

The committee considered a hand‑carried CD1 (OCS 2025‑0053) that added clarifying conditions: it limited the shoreline‑setback variance approval to the dwelling encroachment (not to other minor structures), required the applicant to submit a written determination from the State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) to DPP prior to any ground‑disturbing activity, and required the applicant to obtain a separate minor shoreline structure permit for any otherwise permitted minor structures makai of the approved variance area.

Why the variance was disputed

DPP had recommended approving the SMA permit but denying the shoreline setback variance, finding the applicant did not meet the three hardship tests required for a variance. The applicant and the chair…