HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCHSW 014 2024/07/09 (2022-2024) REPORT OF THE POLICY
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH,
SAFETY,AND WELL-BEING
DATE: July 9, 2024 Re: Comm. No. 917/Bill No. 175
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai`i
TIME: 11:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being,to which was referred Bill No. 175,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 175,transmitted by the Department of Parks and Recreation Director Maurice C. Messina
via Communication No. 917, dated June 6, 2024, amends Chapter 15, Article 9, Section 15-72 of the
Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to the Parks and Recreational
Farmers Market Facility Schedule.
This bill increases the potential establishment of farmers markets by adding three park facilities to
the Hilo/Hamakua region, one park facility to the Kea region, one park facility to the Kohala
region, and two park facilities to the Kona region, and updates the park facility name in the Puna
region to "William `Billy' Kenoi District Park."
Director Messina began by stating that this bill is helping the department accomplish their vision of
having a farmers market site in every district. This has been a long process as they had to evaluate
whether the sites were suitable, checking for access to water, electricity,parking, good location,no
direct conflicts with others, etc. The maximum that vendors can be charged for a stall is $10 per day.
This low fee allows for more participation from backyard farmers. All proceeds from vendor fees go
directly back into the farmers market site.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked for more details regarding how the market is run and
who will be running it. Director Messina replied that each market is managed by nonprofit
organizations in that area. He also stated that each vendor must have a permit. Member Kierkiewicz
asked about the selection process of the nonprofit. Director Messina said that the nonprofits are
contacting them and saying that they want to host a market, and the Department is working with
them. Member Kierkiewicz asked additional follow-up questions regarding if there is a template that
can be provided to nonprofits; if there is support for publicity/marketing, and what items can be sold.
Director Messina explained that there is an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)they share if
nonprofits contact them, and yes,they can help with marketing. He also stated that locally made or
grown items is what is allowable for sale and further added that his department will be doing a press
release with more details after this passes through County Council.
PCHSW Report No. 14
PCHSW-14 Page 2 July 9,2024
Both Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Cindy Evans wanted additional clarity on parks
listed in their districts and specific locations of the markets within those parks. Director Messina
clarified that Kailua Park is also known as Old A's and that in Waimea the location was to be near
the playground and Community Center. He addressed Member Evans' concerns around competing
with already established markets in the Waimea area and parking issues. Director Messina said that
while we might not be able to find a perfect spot,they want to have a County farmers market in
Waimea and will be working to create that.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked whether the trash pick-up would be the responsibility of the
Department of Parks and Recreation or the market nonprofits. Director Messina stated that would be
provided by Parks and Recreation staff and that maintenance folks will be available. Chair Kagiwada
asked if any seating would be provided. Director Messina stated that if the nonprofit wanted to set
up a seating area for eating that is up to them, otherwise whatever benches already exist at various
parks can be used by patrons to the markets.
Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being is in accord with the purpose and intent
of Bill 175, and recommends its passage on first reading.
sm
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
EVANS X
GALIMBA X POLICY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH,
INABA x SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING
KAGIWADA X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
KIMBALL X JEI\ KA I AD CHAIR
LEE LOY X PCHSW REPORT NO.: 14
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: JUL 2 4 2024