The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs on Feb. 20, 2025.
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Feb. 20, 2025, 2 p.m.
Hawaii State Capitol
Conference Room 325 and Videoconference
To: House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs
Rep. David Tarnas, Chair
Rep. Mahina Poepoe, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Ted Kefalas, Director of Strategic Campaigns
RE: HB966 HD1 — RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM
Aloha Chair Tarnas, Vice-Chair Poepoe and other members of the Committee,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports HB966 HD1, which would create uniform standards for agricultural tourism operations throughout the state.
Specifically, the bill would allow agricultural tourism activities as an accessory and secondary use to primary agricultural uses. It would also allow roadside retail uses such as food trucks, subject to certain rules.
The only general requirement would be that any farm or ranch owner wanting to conduct agricultural tourism would be required to register with the county planning department and provide information on farm access, facilities and tourism activities they plan to offer.
Grassroot believes this bill would give farmers and ranchers more freedom to diversify their income sources. Agricultural tourism activities could educate visitors about sustainable practices and land stewardship, in addition to creating employment opportunities and excise tax revenues.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Ted Kefalas
Director of Strategic Campaigns
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
