(a) A variance may be granted for a structure or activity otherwise prohibited in this part if the authority finds in writing, based on the record presented, that the proposed structure or activity is necessary for or ancillary to:
Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 205A-46
Authority: means the county planning commission, except in counties where the county planning commission is advisory only, in which case "authority" means the county council or such body as the council may by ordinance designate. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 205A-1
Beach: includes sand deposits in nearshore submerged areas, or sand dunes or upland beach deposits landward of the shoreline, that provide benefits for public use and recreation, for coastal ecosystems, and as a natural buffer against coastal hazards. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 205A-1
Shoreline: means the upper reaches of the wash of the waves, other than storm and seismic waves, at high tide during the season of the year in which the highest wash of the waves occurs, usually evidenced by the edge of vegetation growth, or the upper limit of debris left by the wash of the waves. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 205A-1
Shoreline area: shall include all of the land area between the shoreline and the shoreline setback line and may include the area between mean sea level and the shoreline; provided that if the highest annual wash of the waves is fixed or significantly affected by a structure that has not received all permits and approvals required by law or if any part of any structure in violation of this part extends seaward of the shoreline, then the term "shoreline area" shall include the entire structure. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 205A-41
Structure: includes , but is not limited to, any portion of any building, pavement, road, pipe, flume, utility line, fence, groin, wall, or revetment. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 205A-41
(1) Cultivation of crops;(2) Aquaculture;(3) Landscaping; provided that the authority finds that the proposed structure or activity will not adversely affect beach processes and will not artificially fix the shoreline;(4) Drainage;(5) Boating, maritime, or watersports recreational facilities;(6) Facilities or improvements by public agencies or public utilities regulated under chapter 269;(7) Private facilities or improvements that are clearly in the public interest;(8) Private facilities or improvements that will not adversely affect beach processes, result in flanking shoreline erosion, or artificially fix the shoreline; provided that the authority may consider any hardship that will result to the applicant if the facilities or improvements are not allowed within the shoreline area;(9) Private facilities or improvements that may artificially fix the shoreline; provided that the authority may consider hardship to the applicant if the facilities or improvements are not allowed within the shoreline area; provided further that a variance to artificially fix the shoreline shall not be granted in areas with sand beaches or where artificially fixing the shoreline may interfere with existing recreational and waterline activities unless the granting of the variance is clearly demonstrated to be in the interest of the general public; or(10) Moving of sand from one location seaward of the shoreline to another location seaward of the shoreline; provided that the authority also finds that moving of sand will not adversely affect beach processes, will not diminish the size of a public beach, and will be necessary to stabilize an eroding shoreline.(b) Hardship shall be defined in rules adopted by the authority under chapter 91. Hardship shall not be determined as a result of county zoning changes, planned development permits, cluster permits, or subdivision approvals after June 16, 1989, or as a result of any other permit or approval listed in rules adopted by the authority.(c) No variance shall be granted unless appropriate conditions are imposed:
(1) To maintain safe lateral access to and along the shoreline or adequately compensate for its loss;(2) To minimize risk of adverse impacts on beach processes;(3) To minimize risk of structures failing and becoming loose rocks, sharp or otherwise dangerous debris, or rubble on public property; and(4) To minimize adverse impacts on public views to, from, and along the shoreline.
