Meeting to review definition of ‘guest house’

LIHUE — The County Council Planning Committee will review a draft bill updating the definition of a guest house to include a kitchen on Wednesday.

A guest house is currently defined as a dwelling structure, no more than 500 square feet, without a kitchen. A kitchen includes amenities such as a sink, stove or refrigerator.

The proposed amendment, however, would allow the unit to have a kitchen along with its various accouterments. The structure can be used by guests, tenants or owners, but not as a transient vacation rental or homestay operation in or outside a visitor destination area.

Another amendment to Bill No. 2754 states that a tenant is someone who occupies the property and makes rental payments based upon an agreement with the landlord or owner. The bill was introduced by councilmembers Arthur Brun and Mason K. Chock earlier this year.

“The need for housing is great,” said Chock.

The new legislation is a way to increase the housing inventory, especially for kupuna or young adults who need some extra help getting back on their feet, said Chock. The goal is to establish some 10,000 units in the next 20 years and existing housing is one way to make that happen.

“It’s a big hill to climb,” said Chock.

A public hearing was held last week and the Planning Department is recommending approval of the proposed amendments, said Kauai County Planning Department Director Ka‘aina Hull.

If the bill is approved by the County Council Planning Committee then it will move to full council review the following week. After that, if approved, the bill will be forwarded to the mayor for final review.

The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, at the Council Chambers at the Historic County Building.