Expediting new housing opportunities through the ʻOhana Assistance Program
By Alice L. Lee
Under the ʻOhana Assistance Program, the County of Maui will provide grants of up to $100,000 to help build accessory-dwelling units.
I introduced the legislation to create the ʻOhana Assistance Program to facilitate more housing for our residents. Building more accessory-dwelling units, also known as ADUs or ʻohana units, will increase the availability of affordable housing on properties where infrastructure already exists, consistent with sound planning principles.
Nearly three years ago, the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan recommended that the county help finance new units on properties that already are being used for housing. The ʻOhana Assistance Program furthers that goal.
ʻOhana units can be between 500 and 1200 square feet, depending on the size of the lot. An ADU is defined in the county zoning code as “an attached or detached dwelling unit which is incidental or subordinate to the main or principal dwelling on a lot.”
The code allows a single ‘ohana unit on lots under 7,500 square feet and two ‘ohana units on lots of 7,500 square feet or larger on Maui. For Molokai and Lānaʻi, a single ‘ohana unit is allowed on lots 7,500 square feet or larger.
The program’s criteria are established in Chapter 3.34, Maui County Code, entitled “Homeowner Programs Revolving Fund.” For applicants who meet the criteria, the grant will provide financial assistance to build attached or detached accessory-dwelling units.
Attached ʻohana units are an option for those wishing to expand their existing housing structure. For example, should a homeowner wish to extend and enclose their lanai, a studio ʻohana could be attached to the house to use the existing space.
Detached ʻohana units may be built separately from the existing housing structure on the same property. For multigenerational families, building a detached ʻohana unit could allow relatives to stay in close proximity and relieve the pressure to move away because of the lack of affordable housing.
After the August wildfires, many displaced residents are still on the search for long-term housing. Funds provided by the ʻOhana Assistance Program could be used to support homeowners who are willing to build on their properties and rent units to families in need.
From a single, retiree homeowner who would like to have another presence on their property to a couple who would like to build a living space for their child returning from college, there are a variety of residents who could benefit from the program. An ‘ohana unit could even serve as employee housing for business owners who need to fill job vacancies and are willing to build on their personal properties to provide housing for their employees.
To ensure affordablility, Ordinance 5601, which took effective Jan. 26, requires grant recipients to rent their ʻohana units at a price at federal affordability guidelines for at least 10 years. If the 10-year affordable price is not maintained, the property owner would be required to return all or part of the grant to the county. The program also requires long-term occupancy of these ʻohana units and prohibits short-term rentals.
I look forward to seeing the program grow, and the council aims to work with the administration to ensure the ‘Ohana Assistance Program serves our community for years to come. Please contact the Department of Housing and Human Concerns for more information or to apply for a grant.
*Alice L. Lee is the chair of the Maui County Council. She holds the County Council seat for the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū residency area. “Council’s 3 Minutes” is a column to explain the latest news on county legislative and community matters. Go to mauicounty.us for more information.
