Maui B&B Receive Pre-approval

A bill revising county laws on permits for bed-and-breakfast operations received initial approval by the Maui County Council. The proposed legislation would set a cap on the number of B&Bs allowed in each district. A second set of legislation, proposing regulations on vacation rentals that are not within the operator's home or property, has been referred to the next term of the Maui County Council. "Bed-and-breakfasts" have an owner living on-site, while "vacation rentals" have an off-site manager or owner. The number of B&Bs in each district would be capped at 48 in Hana; 100 in South Maui; 40 Upcountry; 88 in Paia-Haiku,; 36 in Central Maui; and 88 in West Maui - for a total of 400 for the island. Other provisions include: The owner of the B&B must live on the same property but could live in a separate house. B&Bs on Maui and Lanai could have up to six bedrooms, while operators on Molokai could have up to three rooms. B&Bs on agricultural lands larger than 5 acres must show at least $35,000 in farm revenue. But operators on smaller ag lots would only need to show that the lot had existed before Nov. 1 and that a farm plan was in place. B&Bs would have to enforce "house policies," including quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.; no amplified sound that can be heard off the property; and no on-street parking. Permits on Molokai and Lanai would be approved by the island planning commissions. On Maui, the planning director would have authority to approve most permits; certain cases, such as applications that have drawn protests from neighbors, would go to the Maui Planning Commission for approval. An initial B&B permit would be valid for three years; renewals would be valid for five years.