Language does, indeed, matter, and "accessory dwelling unit" is a name that only a technocrat could love. Calling it an "ohana" unit is a good start, but I also like the name used in, I believe, Southern California (and maybe the southwest in general?), which is "casita". Who could dislike a casita? So much better than other term, "mother-in-law" unit, too. And if you don't think terminology is important, look at the progress made when advocates stopped calling for "gay marriage" and instead asked for "marriage equality".
Language does, indeed, matter, and "accessory dwelling unit" is a name that only a technocrat could love. Calling it an "ohana" unit is a good start, but I also like the name used in, I believe, Southern California (and maybe the southwest in general?), which is "casita". Who could dislike a casita? So much better than other term, "mother-in-law" unit, too. And if you don't think terminology is important, look at the progress made when advocates stopped calling for "gay marriage" and instead asked for "marriage equality".