Council resolution
urges home
height restrictions

The plan responds to concerns
over houses on Diamond Head

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By Kelliann Shimote
kshimote@starbulletin.com

East Diamond Head residents who want to lower height requirements of homes in their neighborhood are one step closer to reaching their goal.

The City Council zoning committee passed a resolution yesterday urging the Department of Planning & Permitting to look into a plan that would reduce the allowable maximum height from the existing 25 feet.

An initial plan by the Council to have the department draft legislation lowering the maximum height to 15 feet has been taken out.

Councilman Duke Bainum, who introduced the measure, said the change was made to address concerns that existing, nonconforming homes in the neighborhood may not be able to rebuild at their current heights in the event of natural disasters.

East Diamond Head residents testifying in support of the measure yesterday said homes taller than 15 feet restrict residents and visitors who want to view the crater from Diamond Head Road and Fort Ruger park. Other supporters of the reduced height limit include the East Diamond Head Association and Waialae/Kahala Neighborhood Board No. 3.

The East Diamond Head Association said it has a duty to preserve the existing view of Diamond Head for all Hawaii citizens, visitors and future generations. The association claimed that the view as well as the park-like environment has been protected for more than 30 years.

Because the 15-foot restriction expired in 1972, it ignited a controversy earlier this year over a 25-foot-high house being built on Poka Street.