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HAB members push for zoning clarity and permitting reforms to speed housing
Summary
Board members urged exploring an ordinance that sets clear objective criteria so properly zoned parcels can pull permits, proposed cleaning up workforce housing rules (section 2.96), and recommended studying permit-tracking systems used by other counties to reduce processing times.
Board Chair William Spence and other members used the Feb. 19 meeting to emphasize zoning clarity and permitting reforms as tools to accelerate housing production in Maui County. Spence proposed an ordinance that would list objective criteria—zoning, environmental reviews, cultural archaeology and drainage—so that property owners who meet the criteria could pull building permits without a lengthy rezoning process. He also flagged County code section 2.96 governing workforce housing, saying eligibility rules may exclude qualified buyers such as retired teachers who have savings.
Members discussed administrative and technical reforms as well. Member William Curtis suggested surveying stakeholders and presenting findings to County Council and pointed to Hawaii County’s MAPPS system as an example: Curtis said Hawaii County posts monthly permit metrics online (new permits, processing status, issuance) and appears to process permits in roughly half the time. Director Richard E. Mitchell endorsed early engagement with Councilmembers so nascent policy ideas can be shared with the HAB for broader input.
