Ag Working Group advocates for Bills 75 and 76 supporting Maui farmers' food truck operations

The Maui County Council meeting on July 8, 2025, focused on two significant pieces of legislation: Bill 75 and Bill 76, both aimed at supporting local agriculture and enhancing economic opportunities for farmers.

During the meeting, the chair of the Agricultural Working Group testified in favor of Bill 75, which seeks to streamline the process for agricultural tourism activities. The chair highlighted that Hawaii was the last state to include agricultural tourism in its land use code, and emphasized the need for Maui County to align its regulations with state law. The chair expressed concerns over recent planning department actions that required extensive permits for activities like lei-making classes, which could cost farmers up to $100,000 and take over two years to obtain. The chair urged the council to pass Bill 75 to alleviate these burdens on local farmers and ranchers.

The discussion then shifted to Bill 76, which aims to allow food trucks on agricultural lands. The chair noted that the planning department's previous actions had unfairly targeted food trucks operating on farms, undermining trust in government. The chair argued that taking away property rights from farmers who were compliant with the law was unconstitutional and detrimental to the agricultural community. The chair called for support of Bill 76 to prevent such issues from recurring.

Pamela Timpott, president of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, also testified in support of Bill 76. She emphasized the importance of food trucks as a cost-effective alternative for local farmers who may not afford traditional restaurant setups. Timpott highlighted that food trucks could utilize local produce, thereby supporting the agricultural economy. However, she raised concerns about a proposed 500-foot distance requirement between food trucks, suggesting that it could hinder farmers' opportunities and should be reconsidered.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing agricultural viability in Maui County while addressing the challenges faced by local farmers. The outcomes of these bills could significantly impact the agricultural landscape and economic opportunities for the community.