Committee clears bill to allow mobile food trucks on working farms, drops 500-foot spacing rule

The ADEPT committee on June 5 advanced Bill 76, which would amend Maui County's zoning code to allow mobile food trucks and trailers to operate as commercial agricultural structures on working farms.

What the bill changes: Under current code "commercial agricultural structures" are defined as fixed structures (food stands, farm retail outlets and farmers markets). Bill 76 adds mobile food trucks or trailers to the categories that may operate as an accessory use on a working farm. Planning staff and the three island planning commissions reviewed the draft and recommended edits; the Maui Planning Commission recommended removing a 500-foot separation requirement and leaving spacing unregulated in the ordinance text.

Public testimony: Farmers and farm supporters testified in favor, saying mobile trucks provide critical value-added income, local retail markets and convenient services for residents and farmworkers. Opponents and some Hana residents urged stronger safeguards for easements, road access and cultural sites; a number of speakers asked the committee to ensure fire department review and to consult local advisory committees. The committee added a requirement that Fire and Public Safety be consulted when a site's primary ingress or egress is under 20 feet.

Committee action: The committee substituted the CD1 text with planning commission recommendations (including dropping the 500-foot spacing requirement) and added amendments clarifying fire-review consultation, cultural consultation, and priority for Maui-produced agricultural goods where feasible. The committee recorded a 6-0 recommendation for first reading with one member excused.

Operational details and enforcement: Planning staff described the intended registration workflow: applicants would register proposed activities with planning; if fire review is needed staff will consult the Fire and Public Safety Bureau and work with applicants on safe access. The Department of Health and other agencies retain their existing authority to inspect and license food operations; food trucks must meet health and fire standards and handle graywater and grease traps according to state and county rules.

Ending: Supporters said the change removes an administrative barrier that had left some farms without a legal way to sell prepared food on site; opponents urged the county to spell out neighbor protections and ensure adequate enforcement resources before the ordinance takes effect.