Tantalus residents are balking at a proposal to turn a 6,500-square-foot historic home in the neighborhood into a vacation rental and occasional venue for parties and ceremonies, saying the proposal will mean too much traffic and noise.

A conservation district use permit for the Liljestrand home at 3300 Tantalus Drive is before the state Land Board. Bob Liljestrand, one of four siblings who own the home, said the proposal is designed to earn enough money to maintain and preserve the property.

He said his intent is not to attract big events, but small ones.

In addition to parties and ceremonies, the family has asked for permission to charge for any film and photo shoots on the grounds of the home. They are also seeking to rent it out for more than 30 days at a time no more than six times a year, Liljestrand said.

"There's no way we want to do these big productions," Liljestrand said. "We have absolutely no intention of doing what a lot of people are worrying we're going to do." He added there are no plans to hold weddings at the home, other than those for friends.

But neighbors say the permit application is too broad and could allow the family to hold weddings, big parties and other large-scale events at the home. They say the permit would also set a precedent, allowing anyone who owns a historic home to turn it into a public venue.

Because the permit is contested it is unclear when a decision will be made.

The Land Board will meet Friday to appoint a hearing officer for the case.

"Approving a conservation district use permit such as that applied for in this case ... is not in keeping with either the conservation (or) quiet nature of the area," Tantalus resident George Hudes told the Land Board in a letter, one of several sent in by residents.

He continued: "The approval of the request by the Liljestrand family will open very wide gates for approval of similar future requests from others."

The Tantalus Community Association has opposed the plan, but the Makiki/Lower Punchbowl/Tantalus Neighborhood Board has so far reserved judgment.

In its meeting on Thursday, the neighborhood board asked supporters and opponents to work together for a solution.

The two parties will come before the board again in August.

"They need to find some common ground on some of the concerns," said Martin Schiller, treasurer of the board. "We think there may be some opportunities for both parties to win."

The Liljestrand home was built in 1951, designed by noted Hawai'i architect Vladimir Ossipoff.

It has been featured in several design magazines, including "House Beautiful" and "Western Interiors and Design," and has been a venue for several charity gatherings.

Liljestrand said he foresees gatherings of fewer than 100 people at the home under the permit.

The home parks about 25 cars, he said, and the family has rented space at a nearby school and bused people up the hill in minivans for gatherings.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.