HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0745.013 2010-2012 — f
HAWAII AGRITOURISM ASSOCIATION
in FHTA II 1,11.0 HD.2007 as
September 4, 2012
Good evening Council Chair and County Council members.
Mahalo for allowing me to provide testimony regarding the proposed amendments
relating to Agricultural Tourism.
My name is Marissa Harman and I am here this evening both as an individual and on
behalf of the Hawaii AgriTourism Association.
I support the amended definition of Agricultural tourism as it is a better and a truer
definition of what actually happens on farms and ranches that engage visitors.
Establishing the difference between a Major operation and a Minor operation allows a
greater amount of smaller and start-up farms to get "out of the gate" faster rather than
being burdened by a cumbersome plan approval process that most farmers won't have
the capacity to complete.
"Minor" operations with less than 15,000 visitors a year will transport guests in 15
passenger vans or less; bus traffic and associated noise will not be an issue for "Minor"
operations.
I do support that larger operations will still be held to plan approval; this will address
traffic, size of vehicles, parking, and sewage.
Ag Tourism is about creating economic development through diversifying revenue
streams for already struggling farmers and ranchers.
As a graduate of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai'i's Leadership
Program, I personally visited small and large scale agricultural operations throughout
the State. I feel these types of venues positively impact agricultural education for both
our residents and visitors. Ag Tourism can sustain a business and a family legacy, as well
as be a great asset to any community.
I ask for your support of these amendments. Mahalo! Comm. N5 7 fir.13
Ref. To: ( �
Ref. Date f 0 4 ZU IZ