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Dear County Council,
Andrea Dean <andrea@andreadean.com>
Monday, November 16, 2015 11:37 AM
Council Testimony
Wille, Margaret
Testimony - Agricultural Tourism Bill
NKELG- Support Letter.pdf
Please find my testimony attached in support of tomorrow's hearing on the ag tourism bill.
Can you confirm receipt?
Aloha,
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Andrea Dean
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Andrea Dean, MBA
Sustainable Initiatives LLC
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Ref. Date ,,env 1 r 2015
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NORTH KOHALA
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November 16, 2015
To: Hawai'i County Council
Via: Counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
Cc: Mar-aret.Wille@hawaiicounty.gov
Re: ,Support in favor of amending the ordinance relating to Agricultural Tourism
Dear County Council,
Two years ago we started an initiative to support farmers in developing agricultural
tourism in North Kohala. We believe that agricultural tourism is an important way to
support our local small farmers by providing a way to make additional income.
We have enjoyed the financial support of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority and the USDA in
developing this initiative and promoting our farms. The support of our County Council in
making agricultural tourism feasible for small farmers is very important to agriculture.
All of our agricultural tourism partners in North Kohala are "minor producers" and
therefore would benefit greatly from this bill.
This bill is a great way to distinguish between large and small operators, and set out clear
guidelines that allow small operators to welcome people to their farms without negatively
impacting their community. In fact, it adds value to the community to have the food and
open space that a thriving farm provides.
A key to the profitability of agricultural tourism is the production of value-added products
and the ability to sell directly to the customer. If visitors can come to the farm, have a first
hand experience and then purchase a product, that helps a farmer make more money.
We urge you to make the proposed amendments to the county ordinance.
Aloha,
Andrea Dean, Project Manager
North Kohala Food Forum/ North Kohala Eat Locally Grown
P.O. Box 1175, Kapa`au, HI 96755