HAWICA Clarifies What Actions By Planning Dep’t Trigger Administrative Zoning Appeals

by Robert Thomas, InverseCondemnation

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals, in a unanimous panel opinion authored by Judge Foley, held that a "zoning verification" by the Director of the City and County's Department of Planning and Permitting is not a "decision of the Director" which a property owner must administratively appeal to the Honolulu Zoning Board of Appeals. Hoku Lele, LLC v. City and County of Honolulu, No. CAAP-11-0001064 (Jan. 25, 2013). The circuit court had dismissed the complaint for lack of jurisdiction because the property owner did not seek administrative review.

We represent the property owner/plaintiff/appellant in the case, so we're not going to analyze the issue in detail, and leave it up to you to read the opinion. Needless to say, we think it is a correct and well-reasoned decision.

Hoku Lele, LLC v. City and County of Honolulu, No. CAAP-11-0001064 (Jan. 25, 2013)