HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0675.194 2022-2024From:
Krista Olson
Sent:
Friday, July 5, 2024 11:56 AM
To;
Council Testimony
Subject:
Re: Bill 121 --Promote and Support Agricultural Tourism on Food-produc ng
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Aloha Chairperson & Commission Members,!
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As a local farmer providing weekly produce to Kona's grocery stores for the last t"
decades, I want to highlight that Bill 121 could inadvertently and negatively impact many
small farms offering agricultural tourism.
I want to commend the amendment allowing some types of Temporary Accommodation
Rentals (TARS) on agricultural land. For many who continue to to sustain food production
as a primary activity on agricultural lands, the opportunity to host farm stays to
supplement agricultural and off -farm income is critical to our viability. I also appreciate
the effort to open up more opportunities to host short --term health care workers to
address the critical shortage in our community.
We have reached an era where only a handful of farms in our area provide significant
amounts of perishable produce to our local grocery stores. Over the last year, I've
witnessed three of my peers in the area close their food production operations. Among
the handful of remaining growers I know, we are only able to sustain our operation
because we subsidize our growing operation with diverse income streams that include
hosted farm stays and significant off -farm employment. It is my belief that Bill 121 is likely
to have unexpected and potentially devastating impact on local food security and the
unique nature of our agricultural communities.
I want to raise a concern that because of the current ambiguity about allowable types of
structures for Temporary Accommodation Rentals (TARS) in the bill and the disallowal of
flexible living arrangements, many of us will be adversely impacted if we rely on any
existing non -conforming structures on our farm, or intend to live in a smaller detached
unit as we age and our families or incomes shrink.
Agricultural properties are inherently diverse, often featuring unconventional and
sometimes unpermitted structures that are used for agritourism. These structures that
provide income as TARS are oftentimes innovative buildings like tent cabins, open-air
pavilions and yurts. The income these rentals contribute is vital for sustaining the farm
and contributing to the local economy through agritourism, an industry that enriches our
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community's food safety, cultural heritage and economic vitality. These rentals are also
not ideal as long term rentals, but provide viable visitor and short-term worker
accommodations that decrease competition for other desirable residential dwellings.
The economic realities for those in the agricultural sector, necessitate a level of flexibility in
how we can utilize our property. Whether it's choosing to live in a smaller, more cost-
effective structure on the land or offering various accommodations to visitors, agricultural
property owners require the freedom to make decisions that best suit financial and
operational needs. For this reason, I hope the final bill will neither limit the structures that
owner/operators can live in or offer as transient accommodations.
Given these points, I urge the Planning Commission to consider the following
recommendations for Bill 121:
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1. flexibility in living Arrangements:; Allow property owners, particularly those on
agricultural lands, the flexibility to reside in any structure on their property. This is
crucial for owners facing economic hardships, the loss of a spouse or other farming
partner, the departure of children helping with framework,etc. Allowance of flexible
living arrangements allows for the most practical and financially viable use of the
farm property.
2.
3. linclusive Definition of TAR Structures: Adopt a broad and inclusive definition of
structures eligible for use as TARS. This would acknowledge the diverse
accommodations agricultural properties can offer, from traditional homes to more
unconventional structures like tent cabins, open-air structures, converted
buses/boats and yurts which are more accessible in the agritourism place.
5. Support for Agritourism: Explicitly support, incentivize and facilitate agritourism in
Bill 121, in alignment with the objectives of the General Plan and Kona Community
Development Plan (CDP). This includes recognizing the unique needs of agricultural
properties and ensuring that regulations do not hinder the growth of agritourism.
6.
7. lReasonable Health and Safety Measures:1 Ensure the health and safety affidavit
requirement reflects a balanced approach that does not impose excessive burdens
on property owners, similar to successful models like Vail's Self Compliance Affadavit
or Santa Cruz's "Safe Structures Program", which both accommodate the varied
nature of accommodations and require they meet basic health and safety standards
vs permitting requirements.
8.
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By integrating these recommendations, Bill 121 can more effectively support the
agricultural community, promote agritourism, and ensure property owners have the
necessary flexibility to adapt to economic challenges. This approach will contribute to a
vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future for Hawaii County.
Mahalo for your thoughtful consideration of these matters. I appreciate your dedication to
crafting legislation that reflects the diverse needs and realities of our community.
Mahalo piha,
Krista Olson, 79-969 Kealaola St. Kealakekua. HI 96750
808-895-0782. olsonlevine@email