Decision Support System for Development of Current and Future Accessory Dwelling Units: A Bottom-up Approach to Affordable Housing

Abstract

In 2015 the state passed Ordinance 15-41 which allowed homeowners to develop Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), however, Hawai`i homeowners remain uninformed and ill-equipped in the means to develop and design an ADU. In acting as a developer the homeowner needs a system that can assist them in an ADU development project. This research develops an ADU Decision Support System which identifies a step-by-step procedure to generate a conceptual design for an ADU in a normative fashion. Furthermore, the support system provides the homeowner with a means to assess and modify their design before engaging a design professional. As a proactive measure, the system provides future considerations regarding wastewater, transportation, energy, and construction. Lastly, the support system has the potential for expansion to a web interface connecting willing and able ADU developers to eager design professionals. By informing and empowering the homeowner, this research can address statewide affordable housing issues.