WAILUKU - Several Maui County Council members on Friday said they want to look finally at expanding the number of home-based businesses that would be allowed in residential areas.
The idea is to help those who've been laid off or had their work hours cut find additional income, said Council Member Mike Victorino, who holds the Wailuku-Waikapu-Waihee residency seat.
For some time, the council has considered expanding the list of permitted home-occupations residences but had not taken it up officially until Friday's regular meeting in Council Chambers.
But it still could be some time before the County Council changes current ordinances, said council Planning Committee Chairman Sol Kaho'ohalahala, who introduced the measure.
The council first, starting this month, must deal with the fiscal year 2010 budget; then the Countywide Policy Plan and Maui Island Plan, he said.
Kaho'ohalahala, who holds the Lanai residency seat, inserted the term "home occupations" to the ordinance governing uses permitted in residential, apartment, county town business, neighborhood business, community business and central business zoning districts.
A resolution to have the bill referred to the Maui, Lanai and Molokai planning commissions passed unanimously. But it's just an initial step in what's likely to be a long and controversial process, Kaho'ohalahala said.
He said once the "home occupation" definition is added to the code, council members can start considering amendments for what specific kinds of businesses would be allowed in those districts.
Council members have said the controversy will arrive when neighbors debate what kind of cottage industries they want on their cul-de-sacs and lanes - such as engine repair or woodworking versus more passive businesses like tax preparation or law. Either way, there's also the question of parking.
Mayor Charmaine Tavares' administration also has taken some flak from residents, who say her inspectors unfairly have targeted people who just are trying to get by.
"It's just another form of economic stimulus and is especially helpful to entrepreneurs starting a business who can't yet afford to rent space," Victorino said.
He added that the amendments would work only as long as people are considerate of their neighbors.
Council Member Jo Anne Johnson, who holds the West Maui residency seat, called it "no brainer" legislation.
"We're basically legitimizing what many people already need to do in order to get by," she said.
Council Member Gladys Baisa concurred, saying it was a very good first step.
In other council action Friday:
* Council members unanimously named Lorraine Sablas to the Maui Planning Commission to replace Joan Pawsat, who quit the commission. The term for Sablas, who has been director of the Po'okela program at The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel, expires March 31, 2012.
* Councilors voted unanimously to extend by one year, to March 1, 2010, the council's deadline to enact the Countywide Policy Plan. Kaho'ohalahala said the old deadline was Feb. 15, but council members need more time because of the upcoming budget deliberations. Also, the General Plan Advisory Committee completed its recommendations on the Maui Island Plan only last week.
* Chris Hamilton can be reached at chamilton@mauinews.com.
