Large Detached Dwelling Limits

At a glance

What: Resolution 26-150 proposes an amendment to Chapter 21, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (the Land Use Ordinance) on large detached dwellings, aimed at oversized houses that skirt existing limits.
Where it stands: adopted September 9, 2026, 9-0, with Dos Santos-Tam, Tupola and Weyer aye with reservations (Kiaʻāina moved committee report 252(26), Tupola seconded). It now goes to the Planning Commission.
Concerns: Tupola said counting extra parking and maneuvering area toward floor area ratio (FAR) could squeeze accessory dwelling unit and ʻohana unit projects on small lots. Dos Santos-Tam worried that existing buildings could become nonconforming and that separate dwelling, parking and total FAR requirements will be hard for the Department of Planning and Permitting and the public to apply.
Next: Planning Commission review; both said they would keep following it.

City Council journal (draft minutes, not yet adopted), regular meeting of September 9, 2026: https://hnldoc.ehawaii.gov/hnldoc/document-download?id=29318

Adopted 9-0 with three members voting aye with reservations; no public testimony.