HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.122 2022-2024 (-7)
From: Rachel Laderman .
Sent: Monday,,January 22, 2024 11:23 AM .W. -i._ ,,
To: Council Testimonyczy
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Subject: Opposed to Bill 121 W,;t
We are farmers on Ag land with one permitted cabin we Airbnb, situated on an unfarmable area of ob1'
land (was previously a gravel mine). We are retired and on a limited income, and now farm cacao and
have a small tree-to-bar chocolate business. The Airbnb provides guests with a farm stay, a chance to
see small farming in Hawaii, learn about local plants and wildlife, and learn about the importance of
growing versus importing food as well as the challenges of farming here. Guests have a wonderful
experience(we have been "superhosts"for 5 years), often saying it is the favorite part of their trip.
Our Airbnb in no way compromises our ability to provide food from our farm, in fact, it greatly supports
and enhances it. We are farming on old rock quarry land not suited to acres of plowed fields, so our
plantings have to be in small terraced groves where we have intensively improved the soil. We also buy
wet cacao beans, honey, and other local produce from other farmers, supporting small farming in this
area as part of our chocolate business.The Airbnb provides us with a diversified, steady income that
helps cover the ups and downs of running a small farm business.
Bill 121 would remove the ability for small farms such as ours to subsidize farming operations with one
transient accomodation rental. This goes directly against the County's legislated intent to support small
agriculture via the "Right-to-farm" law,which was intended to stop "the premature removal of lands from
agricultural use" and ensure future investment in agriculture. This sounds great-we need all the help we
can get to keep farming! Small farms in Hawaii face many difficulties in producing income from product
sales, including high land prices and taxes(we pay over 14%of our earnings in county and state taxes),
pressure from invasive species, high cost of building and meeting permitting requirements, high cost of
labor, and much more. However, TARs placed on or near farmland actually help fund agricultural
practices and build support for buying local. Our TAR helps us improve the degraded soils that were here,
creating a vibrant and fertile farm that shares aloha with island residents as well as out-of-state visitors
who gain appreciation for what it takes to supply local food.
Please protect our right to farm by opposing Bill 121,which would penalize, stigmatize, and even shut
down small farms that are providing for the public good.
Rachel Laderman and Dan Kelly
Kulike Farm
31-1081 Kulike Place
PO Box 100036
Hakalau, HI 96710
Comm. N.. i 1 •f L
Ref. To: I °OW
1 Ref. Date JAN 3 2024