WAILUKU - The first of many applications under the new bed-and-breakfast ordinance had an easy time winning approval at the Maui Planning Commission Tuesday.
Joe Prutch, the planner who handled the application, said he knew the proposal by John and Sandy Camou for Haiku Plantation Inn would be an easy one, although there are others in process that are likely to be more contentious. All the public testimony was favorable, even enthusiastic for Haiku Plantation Inn.
The Rev. Kedar St. John of Temple of Peace Healing Center, a neighbor, said: "We really need to have these types of facilities in our neighborhood." Students and teachers can stay there conveniently, he said.
Patrick Boyd of the Maui Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, also nearby, pleaded for approval. Since the business was shut down by the county's enforcement of unpermitted transient rental businesses, the sanctuary has incurred additional expenses, he said. That's because, when veterinarians come to volunteer their services, they now have to stay far away, and the sanctuary has to, at least, rent a car for them.
"It is not only tourists that are affected by the closure of Haiku Plantation Inn," he said.
The inn, at 555 Haiku Road, had been a permitted bed-and-breakfast since 1986, under a series of owners and Land Use Commission special use permits.
The Camous purchased the business in 2005 but did not get a permit in their own names. Since the former permit was not transferable, they were shut down in 2007.
The new county ordinance allows B&Bs outside urban zoning for the first time, but in the agricultural zone a state permit is still required.
The Land Use Commission delegates its authority for these to the county, and the county B&B permit can be issued administratively now that the state permit has been approved.
Prutch said there are plenty of applications pending outside the urban zone, so the Maui Planning Commission will be busy reviewing them for some time.
Haiku Plantation Inn is a five-bedroom farmhouse on 1.2 acres, with a county-approved farm plan and a productive farm raising fruit, herbs and flowers.
Four rooms are rented out, and the owners reside in the house.
In agency comments, the state Office of Planning warned that approval of B&Bs in agricultural districts could require costly public services or increase property values that could pressure legitimate farming operations.
In its report, the Maui Planning Department said it agreed those are valid concerns, but it said the ordinance allows for case-by-case reviews.
Although 555 Haiku Road is within the special management area, the department decided that this B&B and most others will be exempt from needing a permit for the area under the single-family rule.
The commission approved the application with one negative vote.
Commission member Warren Shibuya said he was concerned about access for public services, such as ambulances.
* Harry Eagar can be reached at heagar@mauinews.com.
