Tough row to hoe for agritourism bill

HILO — A bill making it easier for small agricultural tourism enterprises to operate in Hawaii County is a long way from fruition.

The County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday postponed action on the measure, Bill 116, until Jan. 5. Once it is approved, it must then go to the Leeward and Windward Planning Commissions before coming back to the council for two more votes.

The bill would create a “minor” agritourism classification to make it easier for small farmers to engage in a practice already enjoyed by large agricultural operations — giving tours to visitors, usually for a fee, and selling related products at a gift shop. Minor agritourism operations would be required to register with the county.

Minor operations would limit annual visitors to 5,000, with a maximum 100 visitors per week. A major operation would be allowed up to 30,000 visitors per year.

Major agritourism operations would still need plan approval, while minor ones would not, provided they weren’t constructing structures other than farm stands. Both types would be required to turn over financial records upon the request of the Planning Department to verify compliance.

“It’s great to be able to support tourism and agriculture at the same time,” said Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, the bill’s sponsor. “The goal is to put on the least restrictions possible, while at the same time protecting neighboring communities.”

Other council members were concerned how the ordinance would be enforced, and whether it would add undue burdens on the Planning Department.