Bill Text: HI HR149 | 2016 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Agricultural Commerce; Enclosed Country Stores
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2016-04-07 - Resolution adopted in final form. [HR149 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-HR149-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.R. NO. |
149 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO PROMOTE THE EXPANSION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMERCE.
WHEREAS, farms and agriculture-based businesses in Hawaii are often family owned and operated; and
WHEREAS, current zoning laws prevent farmers that live on agricultural land from constructing enclosed country stores to sell products grown on or crafted from the 'Aina; and
WHEREAS, a number of other jurisdictions allow enclosed country stores on agricultural lands; and
WHEREAS, an enclosed country store owned and operated by a farmer for the display and sale of agricultural products grown in Hawaii and value-added products that were produced using agricultural products grown in Hawaii is generally not permitted on agricultural lands; and
WHEREAS, enclosed country stores would be a simple and effective way to provide greater access to and support for local and sustainable agricultural products, by increasing the visibility of farmers and capitalizing on the proximity of such stores to actual working farms; and
WHEREAS, enclosed country stores would also allow our local farmers, particularly small scale farmers, to generate much-needed additional revenue in these economically difficult times; and
WHEREAS, enclosed country stores would also serve
as a source of unique pride for Hawaii's farming communities, strengthen
existing connections between farmers and the general public, and promote the
nutritional benefits of freshly harvested produce and other freshly made foods;
now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-eighth
Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2016, that the
Department of Agriculture is requested to promote the expansion of agricultural
commerce by actively engaging in consultation and discussions with the
appropriate governmental entities and relevant stakeholder groups, including the
Mayors and planning departments of each county and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, to
facilitate the ability of farmers to construct enclosed country stores on lands
zoned for agriculture; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Mayors of the respective counties, directors of the planning departments of the respective counties, and President of the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
Agricultural Commerce; Enclosed Country Stores
