HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0073.015 2012-2014 N n
testimony re. agricultural tourism ° o C)
supporting Brenda Ford's Communication 73.10 -
and opposing Zendo Kern's Communication 73.9 c�
for Hawai'i County Council, 9:00 AM Wednesday, August 6, 2014 1 -
from Cory Harden, Sierra Club, Moku Loa group, Box 1137, Hilo, Hawai'i 96721
808-959-7747 333corycgmail.com -'
We support Brenda Ford's amendments. D�
But please add these provisions that we've brought up before:
• 1,000-square-foot limit on facilities, including tents and canopies
• NO automatic approval if the Planning Department fails to render a decision on a plan in 30 days
• Site inspection before plan approval
• Revenue from ag tourism-- not more than half the revenue from agriculture operation
• No ag tourism in Waipio Valley,four-wheel drive areas, and other sensitive areas
• Enforcement by the Planning Department
• Property values for ag tourism properties based on facilities used for ag tourism
• Property values for neighbors NOT based on value of ag tourism property
• 6 months grace period for existing ag tourism operators, and those who fall out of compliance
because of increased visitor numbers, to get approval under these new regulations
• Ag tourism operator required to be owner, operator, or occupant of the farm, to keep local control
• Buildings used by visitors required to have adequate smoke detectors and exits
• General liability and product liability insurance required
• Limits on property size and number of operations in any one neighborhood
• Penalties for violations spelled out
• Permit fees and fines sufficient to fund enforcement
We support ag tourism if it truly contributes to growing food and other necessities, and does not cause
negative impacts to neighbors.
Comm. N a 5
Ref.To:
Ref. Date AUG 04 no