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.}py4 4 ia. .V-. <br /> ,!a~ <br /> es4. 7N4^ <br /> 7 November 2005 <br /> In Consideration of <br /> Bill No. 148 <br /> Proposed Amendment to Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) <br /> Relating to Agricultural Tourism <br /> The Honorable Pete Hoffmann & Angel Pilago, Co-Chairs and Members of the <br /> Hawaii County Council Committee on Planning <br /> 25 Aupuni Street, <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> Co-Chairs Hoffmann &Pilago and Members of the Council Committee on Planning: <br /> On behalf of Parker Ranch, we acknowledge the need for certain regulatory <br /> processes for agricultural tourism. However, we are concerned by several of the <br /> specific parameters for agricultural tourism being proposed to Chapter 25 via <br /> Agricultural Tourism Bill No. 148. We find the proposals to be overly restrictive and <br /> contradictory towards continued support and sustainability of our island's important <br /> yet vulnerable visitor industry. <br /> We ask that Agricultural Tourism Bill No. 148 be reconsidered in its entirety. It would <br /> seem prudent for the Council Planning Committee to establish a forum whereby <br /> Parker Ranch and others currently engaged in agricultural tourism activities could <br /> share experiences and expertise. We have, at the request of the County Research & <br /> Development Dept. been participating in the County of Hawaii's Tourism Strategic <br /> Plan meetings and would be willing to participate in any future forums to further <br /> discuss the issues specific to agricultural tourism. <br /> Application of firsthand knowledge gained from the forum would be useful in <br /> development of a regulatory process that achieves oversight but does not smother <br /> economic diversification and growth. The forum would also make apparent the vast <br /> differences in size and scale of ag-tourism offerings on Hawaii Island. To encourage <br /> viable economic development, entrepreneurship and diversification for varying <br /> manner and size of operations, regulations must be supportive, not restrictive. <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to comment on reconsideration of Bill No. 148. <br /> Sincerely yours, <br /> Diane S. Quitiquit ~ ~~13 <br /> <br /> Vice President Comm No. <br /> Ref. To• prae <br /> <br /> cc: The Honorable Mayor Harry Kim Ref. Uate <br /> Christopher J. Yuen, Planning Director- County of Hawaii <br /> <br />