The following testimony was submitted by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii for consideration by the Maui County Council Committee on Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation on June 5, 2025.
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June 5, 2025, 9 a.m.
Kalana O Maui Building
To: Maui County Council Committee on Agriculture, Diversification, Environment and Public Transportation
Gabe Johnson, Chair
Shane Sinenci, Vice Chair
From: Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
Jonathan Helton, Policy Researcher
RE: Bill 76 (2025) — RELATING TO MOBILE FOOD TRUCKS OR TRAILERS IN THE AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
Aloha Chair Johnson, Vice Chair Sinenci and other members of the Committee,
The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii supports Bill 76 (2025), which 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.
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. Meanwhile, agricultural food establishments and product stands are allowed as a by-right accessory use, yet there is no significant difference between these permanent structures and food trucks.
Finally, Grassroot supports the amendment suggested by the Maui Planning Commission: Food trucks and trailers should not face distance restrictions. If two farms want to set up food trucks within 500 feet of each other, they should be allowed to do so.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
Jonathan Helton
Policy Analyst
Grassroot Institute of Hawaii
