Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Kitchenette Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears Bill 104 on kitchenettes/wet‑bar conversions; safety, equipment and definition questions surface
Summary
The committee reviewed Bill 104, which would revise county definitions for kitchenettes and wet bars and require additional parking for dwellings that include kitchenettes; staff and testifiers focused on safety, electrical and ventilation requirements, and whether multiple kitchenettes would effectively produce multifamily dwellings.
The committee reviewed Bill 104, a proposed amendment to Maui County Code (chapters 19.04, 19.08 and 19.29) that would revise the code definitions for kitchenettes and wet bars and add parking requirements for dwellings that include kitchenettes.
Planning staff explained the bill’s intent is to clarify standards for small cooking facilities often found in accessory units or converted spaces. The department said the measure would update the wet‑bar definition and add a specific kitchenette definition that contemplates small meal preparation facilities; staff cautioned that any change should reflect safety concerns such as electrical service and appliance requirements.
Public testimony mirrored the debate on Bill 103. Several Lahaina residents objected to amending code without concurrent infrastructure and enforcement measures, citing cramped streets, parking shortages and emergency access from past incidents. Tom Crowley, a development professional, urged the council to treat a kitchenette as a distinct building‑code concern rather than simply converting the wet‑bar definition; he recommended capping kitchenettes at one per dwelling and ensuring electrical and ventilation installations meet safety standards. Other speakers suggested strong deed restrictions, owner‑occupancy requirements and limits on condominiumization to avoid speculative conversion or short‑term rental use.
Planning and building staff said that the presence of kitchenettes could trigger building‑code review; Deputy Corporation Counsel Michael Hopper advised the committee that adjusting landscaping and parking rules for the new residential conditions would be within the council’s purview so long as changes relate specifically to the newly created dwelling types. Captain Oliver Voss reiterated public‑safety concerns about how interior configurations and additional occupants affect emergency access.
No final action was taken on Bill 104; Chair Tamara Polton closed oral testimony (no new speakers) and, with no objection from members, deferred further action so departments can respond to written questions and planning can return with additional material.
