Farmers rally against bill threatening local agriculture

During a recent government meeting, stakeholders from Hawaii's agricultural sector voiced their concerns and support regarding proposed amendments to Bill 64, which aims to regulate agricultural practices and land use.

Testifiers included Nicole Galassi, managing director of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, who emphasized the importance of preserving agricultural lands for Oahu ranchers to maintain their traditional lifestyle and food production. She urged the committee to consider amendments that would support agricultural families and keep them in production.

Robert Dawson, co-founder of Kohana Distillers, highlighted the potential negative impact of the bill on his distillery, which relies on locally grown sugarcane. Dawson expressed concern that the bill does not adequately address the distillation of alcohol from local crops, which could force his business to relocate and hinder its growth. He advocated for a requirement that at least 51% of the alcohol produced be derived from locally grown ingredients to ensure authenticity in Hawaiian products.

Kim Falinski, representing Nalumele Honey, stressed the critical role of beekeeping in agriculture, arguing that pollination services should be recognized as essential rather than ancillary. Sandy Vann, who operates a boarding kennel and animal rescue, opposed the bill due to its potential to exacerbate the existing shortage of animal shelters, warning that moving pet care services to commercially zoned areas could lead to increased stray animal populations.

The Department of Agriculture also provided testimony, supporting many concerns raised by stakeholders and recommending clearer definitions within the bill to enhance enforcement. They called for the reestablishment of the city agricultural development task force and the creation of an in-house agricultural expert position to better integrate agricultural needs into city planning.

The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing agricultural interests with regulatory frameworks, as stakeholders urged the committee to consider the long-term implications of the proposed legislation on Hawaii's agricultural landscape.