HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-17 Bill 121 Heather Korotie From: Heather Korotie
To: LPCtestimonv
Subject: Concerns and Recommendations for Bill 121:Supporting Agricultural Tourism
Date: Wednesday,April 17,2024 8:51:36 AM
Aloha Chairperson &Commission Members,
As a part of our island's agricultural community, I want to highlight that Bill 121 could inadvertently and
negatively impact many small farms offering agricultural tourism because of the current ambiguity about
allowable types of structures for Temporary Accommodation Rentals (TARS) in the bill and the disallowal of
flexible living arrangements, where future owner/operators will no longer be able to live in a detached
bedroom or guest house if needed.
Agricultural properties are inherently diverse, often featuring unconventional and sometimes unpermitted
structures that are used for agritourism. These structures that provide income as TARS are
oftentimes innovative buildings like tent cabins, open-air pavilions and yurts. The income these rentals
contribute is vital for sustaining the farm and contributing to the local economy through agritourism, an
industry that enriches our community's food safety, cultural heritage and economic vitality. These rentals
are also not ideal as long term rentals.
Also, the economic realities for those in the agricultural sector, necessitate a level of flexibility in how they
can utilize their property. Whether it's choosing to live in a smaller, more cost-effective structure on their
land or offering various accommodations to visitors, agricultural property owners require the freedom to
make decisions that best suit their financial and operational needs. For this reason, I hope the final bill will
neither limit the structures that owner/operators can live in or offer as transient accommodations.
Given these points, I urge the Planning Commission to consider the following recommendations for Bill 121:
Flexibility in Living Arrangements: Allow property owners, particularly those on agricultural lands,the
flexibility to reside in any structure on their property. This is crucial for owners facing economic hardships,
enabling them to make the most practical and financially viable use of their property.
Inclusive Definition of TAR Structures: Adopt a broad and inclusive definition of structures eligible for use
as TARS. This would acknowledge the diverse accommodations agricultural properties can offer, from
traditional homes to more unconventional structures like tent cabins, open-air structures, converted
buses/boats and yurts which are more accessible in the agritourism place.
Support for Agritourism: Explicitly support, incentivize and facilitate agritourism in Bill 121, in alignment
with the objectives of the General Plan and Kona Community Development Plan (CDP). This includes
recognizing the unique needs of agricultural properties and ensuring that regulations do not hinder the
growth of agritourism.
Reasonable Health and Safety Measures: Ensure the health and safety affidavit requirement reflects a
balanced approach that does not impose excessive burdens on property owners, similar to successful
models like Vail's Self Compliance Affadavit or Santa Cruz's "Safe Structures Program", which both
accommodate the varied nature of accommodations and require they meet basic health and safety
standards vs permitting requirements.
By integrating these recommendations, Bill 121 can more effectively support the agricultural community,
promote agritourism, and ensure property owners have the necessary flexibility to adapt to economic
challenges. This approach will contribute to a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future for Hawaii County.
For reference:
Link to Vail's Health and Safety affidavit
https://www.vail.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/1774/637457960125630000
Santa Cruz's Safe Structures
program: https://sccoplanning.com/PlanningHome/BuildingSafety/SafeStructuresProgram(formerlyLIAP).aspxx
Mahalo for your thoughtful consideration of these matters. I appreciate your dedication to crafting
legislation that reflects the diverse needs and realities of our community.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Heather Korotie 82-5680 Kahau Place 808-938-2743 heatherkorotiePgmail.com