2018-04-25 Kalapana Info Sheet distributed at vendors meeting -- press release

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Wil Okabe Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8211  Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C  Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440 April 25, 2018 NEWS RELEASE County Offers Kalapana Vendors Info on Next Steps to Legally Do Business Away from Roadways, Shoulders The County of Hawai'i is providing vendors currently illegally operating on roadways in the Kalapana area with information aimed at helping them with next steps to ensure their businesses are legally conducted in suitable locations. The County plans to enforce an ordinance that bars vendors from operating on County roadways and shoulders amid safety concerns, focusing on vendors renting bicycles, vending food and offering guided tours in the Kalapana lava viewing area. The County hand-delivered or mailed a letter on April 11 to the affected vendors which said that the County will strictly enforce the provisions of Hawai'i County Code § 22-2.5, effective July 1, 2018, which prohibits commercial activity within any County right-of- way. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in monetary fines as provided in HCC § 24-16, the letter said. On Wednesday evening, County officials distributed a detailed information sheet for the Kalapana vendors at a community meeting to address the vendors’ questions and concerns at the Pāhoa Community Center, and to help them ensure their businesses fall within the law. The information includes explanations of Special Management Area Permits, Agriculture Zoned Lands Special Permits, Grubbing and Grading Permits, Temporary Structure (Tents) Permits, and how to obtain such permits. Other information involves Transport of Passengers Certificates and Permits, Food Service Permits and registration for General Excise Taxes. “It is advised that any parties or business interested in vending seek the appropriate advice and guidance of legal counsel,” the information sheet said. Enforcement is necessary to alleviate bicycle or pedestrian accidents and disruption to residents in the area. By the July 1, 2018 deadline, all vendors currently operating on the roadway or shoulders must vacate all portions of the roadway. County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.