The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Maui Planning Commission on Feb. 25, 2025.
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Feb. 25, 2025, 9 a.m.
Planning Department Conference Room, Kalana Pakui Building
To: Maui Planning Commission
Kim Thayer, Chair
Dale Thompson, Vice-Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Jonathan Helton, Policy Researcher
RE: COMMENTS IN SUPPORT OF ITEM C(1)
Aloha Chair Pali, Vice-Chair Thayer and other members of the Commission,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports item C(1), a draft bill that would allow mobile food trucks and trailers as a by-right accessory use in agricultural districts.
Grassroot believes this bill would enable Maui’s farmers and ranchers to diversify their income sources and participate in the tourism industry.
Right now, agricultural food establishments and product stands are allowed as a by-right accessory use. There is no significant difference between these permanent structures and food trucks.
Currently, anyone who wants to set up a food truck on agricultural-zoned land must apply for a special use permit. This is a time-consuming and costly process that deters many would-be entrepreneurs from expanding their farm or ranch businesses.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Jonathan Helton
Policy Researcher
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
