Members of the City Council Zoning Committee this afternoon advanced a bill that would allow the legalization of new bed and breakfast establishments on O‘ahu for the first time since the 1980s.

Bill 08-07 now goes to the full council for a final vote on Dec. 16. The bill moved out 3-2. Council members Ikaika Anderson, Nestor Garcia and Rod Tam voted yes. Romy Cachola and Gary Okino were opposed.

Thirty-five people testified on the bill. Supporters of B&Bs outnumbered opponents by about 2-to-1.

The latest version of the bill would not allow for new B&Bs in agricultural zoned parcels. It would only be allowed on residential properties where the owner lives on the parcel, although not necessarily the same structure. The bill would limit a permitted B&B to have no more than three bedrooms, and a maximum of two guests per bedroom.

Councilman Ikaika Anderson, who authored the latest draft, stressed that the intent of the bill is to allow owner-occupants a means to draw additonal income to help keep a home.

Opponents say allowing B&Bs allow businesses to overrun residential neighborhoods, and makes a mockery of zoning laws.