Aloha Chapter members were treated to an amusing yet informative presentation by Kauai’s Mayor Derek Kawakami. With him for the meeting were LAI members Mike Dahilig, the County Managing Director, and Kaaina Hull, the County Planning Director.

For several years now the County has been cracking down on illegal vacation rentals. They increased staff to make this possible and were the first jurisdiction in Hawaii and the nation to create an MOU with Air B&B for mutual enforcement of rules. The County built both a homeless transition facility and workforce housing near Kukui Grove Shopping Center. Both have proved successful.

The County of Kauai, known for its pragmatic and forward-thinking initiatives, has revamped its codes.  One of the changes is its form-based code which seeks to make new developments consistent with the existing and desired community look and feel, rather than rigid adherence to a use-based thinking. FBS asks the question, “What do you want it to look like?” Requirements for street widths can be modified (or even eliminated) to fit the character and desired look. The FBC is being applied to renovations at the historic plantation camps which still exist in multiple locations around the island, and yet would not fit with use-based code requirements.

Another change is tackling the tough issue of affordable housing, again by re-thinking the zoning code. Accessible Dwelling Units (ADU) were allowed in all zoning districts, and minimum lot coverage requirements reduced. This effectively multiplied the current density. They also attempted to eliminate parking requirements, but this did not pass.

Mayor Kawakami stressed that communications is critical, including managing expectations and public perceptions. Building trust is key to advancing policy change. The groundwork for this was set when the Planning Department conducted community outreach for the updated General Plan. By the time it came to the County Council, the community was pushing for passage of their work and shouted down individual council member proposed changes.

He provided examples of scars from battles fought but lost, such as whether to put sidewalks in rural communities. The Safe Routes to Schools and Complete Streets programs have been used in several places to allow for better and safer possibilities for pedestrians and bicyclists. Yet these are often resisted when first proposed.

Using humor and gentle teasing, Kawakami and his administrators demonstrated that these folks are clearly a close coterie of individuals who care deeply about their island and are working for its betterment. Mahalo to Kimi Yuen, Chapter Vice-President for making the arrangements and serving as introducer.

September 8, 2022 Quarterly Meeting of Aloha Chapter Lambda Alpha International at Pacific Club
L to R: Kimi Yuen (Moderator and Aloha Chapter Vice President), Mayor Derek Kawakami, Susan Todani (Chapter President), Kaaina Hull (Planning Director) and Mike Dahilig (Managing Director

Prepared by: Cheryl Soon, Aloha Chapter Historian