Grassroot Institute shares economic revitalization suggestions with Maui County Council

from Grassroot Institute

The Grassroot Institute submitted testimony to the Maui County Council's Committee on Budget, Finance and Economic Development this week that recommends policies the Council can implement to boost the County's economy and encourage reconstruction in Lahaina.

The testimony suggests policies that could speed up the rebuilding process, such as:

>> Allowing "nonconforming use" structures to be rebuilt as they were.

>> Updating the County's code that governs reconstruction after a disaster.

>> Expanding the County's emergency permit rules.

>> Paving the way for more accessory dwelling units.

>> Creating an economic recovery board to gather input from those affected.

>> Exploring the possibility of designating Lahaina as an Enterprise Zone to reduce tax liabilities for businesses.

>> Considering broader reforms to the County's zoning code.

"At the least, the Council should remove parking minimums, allow houses to be built on smaller lots and expand the supply of land on which duplexes and apartments can legally be constructed," the testimony says.

"Beyond specific policies, it is paramount the Council do one thing: Respect Lahaina residents, their concerns and their rights. Any top-down models for rebuilding Lahaina should be rejected; instead, the community should simply be empowered to naturally reconstruct its home."

You can read the full testimony >>> here <<<.

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