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REPORT OF THE POLICY <br /> COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, <br /> SAFETY,AND WELL-BEING <br /> DATE: July 9, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 917/Bill No. 175 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i <br /> TIME: 11:00 a.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being,to which was referred Bill No. 175, <br /> reports as follows: <br /> Bill No. 175,transmitted by the Department of Parks and Recreation Director Maurice C. Messina <br /> via Communication No. 917, dated June 6, 2024, amends Chapter 15, Article 9, Section 15-72 of the <br /> Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to the Parks and Recreational <br /> Farmers Market Facility Schedule. <br /> This bill increases the potential establishment of farmers markets by adding three park facilities to <br /> the Hilo/Hamakua region, one park facility to the Kea region, one park facility to the Kohala <br /> region, and two park facilities to the Kona region, and updates the park facility name in the Puna <br /> region to "William `Billy' Kenoi District Park." <br /> Director Messina began by stating that this bill is helping the department accomplish their vision of <br /> having a farmers market site in every district. This has been a long process as they had to evaluate <br /> whether the sites were suitable, checking for access to water, electricity,parking, good location,no <br /> direct conflicts with others, etc. The maximum that vendors can be charged for a stall is $10 per day. <br /> This low fee allows for more participation from backyard farmers. All proceeds from vendor fees go <br /> directly back into the farmers market site. <br /> Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked for more details regarding how the market is run and <br /> who will be running it. Director Messina replied that each market is managed by nonprofit <br /> organizations in that area. He also stated that each vendor must have a permit. Member Kierkiewicz <br /> asked about the selection process of the nonprofit. Director Messina said that the nonprofits are <br /> contacting them and saying that they want to host a market, and the Department is working with <br /> them. Member Kierkiewicz asked additional follow-up questions regarding if there is a template that <br /> can be provided to nonprofits; if there is support for publicity/marketing, and what items can be sold. <br /> Director Messina explained that there is an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)they share if <br /> nonprofits contact them, and yes,they can help with marketing. He also stated that locally made or <br /> grown items is what is allowable for sale and further added that his department will be doing a press <br /> release with more details after this passes through County Council. <br /> PCHSW Report No. 14 <br />