HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0426.013 2004-2006 .}py4 4 ia. .V-.
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7 November 2005
In Consideration of
Bill No. 148
Proposed Amendment to Chapter 25 (Zoning Code)
Relating to Agricultural Tourism
The Honorable Pete Hoffmann & Angel Pilago, Co-Chairs and Members of the
Hawaii County Council Committee on Planning
25 Aupuni Street,
Hilo, HI 96720
Co-Chairs Hoffmann &Pilago and Members of the Council Committee on Planning:
On behalf of Parker Ranch, we acknowledge the need for certain regulatory
processes for agricultural tourism. However, we are concerned by several of the
specific parameters for agricultural tourism being proposed to Chapter 25 via
Agricultural Tourism Bill No. 148. We find the proposals to be overly restrictive and
contradictory towards continued support and sustainability of our island's important
yet vulnerable visitor industry.
We ask that Agricultural Tourism Bill No. 148 be reconsidered in its entirety. It would
seem prudent for the Council Planning Committee to establish a forum whereby
Parker Ranch and others currently engaged in agricultural tourism activities could
share experiences and expertise. We have, at the request of the County Research &
Development Dept. been participating in the County of Hawaii's Tourism Strategic
Plan meetings and would be willing to participate in any future forums to further
discuss the issues specific to agricultural tourism.
Application of firsthand knowledge gained from the forum would be useful in
development of a regulatory process that achieves oversight but does not smother
economic diversification and growth. The forum would also make apparent the vast
differences in size and scale of ag-tourism offerings on Hawaii Island. To encourage
viable economic development, entrepreneurship and diversification for varying
manner and size of operations, regulations must be supportive, not restrictive.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on reconsideration of Bill No. 148.
Sincerely yours,
Diane S. Quitiquit ~ ~~13
Vice President Comm No.
Ref. To• prae
cc: The Honorable Mayor Harry Kim Ref. Uate
Christopher J. Yuen, Planning Director- County of Hawaii
Murashige, Laura
From: Diane Quitiquit [dquitiquit@parkerranch.com]
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2005 6:30 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Bill No 148 Comments.doc
Bill No 148
Comments.doc -
1